Drawing Conclusions with 可见 (kějiàn)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {可见|kějiàn} to introduce a logical conclusion based on previously stated evidence.
- Place {可见|kějiàn} at the start of the second clause to signal a deduction.
- The first clause provides the evidence, the second provides the conclusion.
- It is often used in formal writing or analytical speech.
Overview
In Chinese, drawing a logical conclusion from observed evidence is a crucial communication skill. While basic connectors like 所以 (suǒyǐ) express a general cause-and-effect relationship, the B2 level demands more precision and authority. This is the function of the conjunction 可见 (kějiàn).
It is used to introduce a conclusion that is clearly and logically inferable from a preceding statement of fact. The name itself, combining 可 (kě) for "can be" and 见 (jiàn) for "seen," literally translates to "it can be seen that..." However, this “seeing” is not physical but intellectual; it signifies a deduction that is evident and undeniable based on the presented evidence.
Using 可见 elevates your language by framing your conclusion not as a mere opinion, but as a logical inevitability. It signals to your listener that you have analyzed a situation, processed the available facts, and arrived at a sound judgment. For example, if you see a colleague's desk completely cleared out and their computer gone, you might say: 他的办公桌都空了，电脑也拿走了，可见他已经离职了。(Tā de bàngōngzhuō dōu kōng le, diànnǎo yě názǒu le, kějiàn tā yǐjīng lízhí le.) — "His desk is empty and his computer is gone; it is evident that he has already resigned." The conclusion (resignation) is presented as the only logical outcome of the evidence (empty desk).
This structure is fundamental to Chinese discourse, which often prefers to build a foundation of evidence or context before revealing the main point or conclusion. Mastering 可见 allows you to participate in this pattern of reasoning, making your arguments more persuasive and your observations more insightful, whether in professional analysis or everyday conversation.
How This Grammar Works
可见 (kějiàn) lies in its function as a conclusive conjunction. It serves as a bridge, connecting a clause containing factual evidence (the premise) to a clause containing a logical deduction (the conclusion). Its linguistic role is to signal that the second statement is a direct, observable consequence of the first.可 (kě) is a versatile character indicating potential or ability, as seen in words like 可能 (kěnéng) (possible) and 可以 (kěyǐ) (can). 见 (jiàn) means "to see" or "to perceive." In classical and formal Chinese, the structure 可 + [Verb] often means "can be [Verb-ed]." For instance, 可爱 (kě'ài) literally means "can be loved," and 可靠 (kěkào) means "can be relied upon." Thus, 可见 fits perfectly into this pattern, meaning "can be perceived/seen/understood."可见 to say you can spot a bird in a tree. For physical sight, you would use 能看见 (néng kànjiàn) or simply 看见 (kànjiàn).可见 operates on a metaphorical level of perception. It’s about the logical visibility of a conclusion. Consider this example: 这座城市的所有酒店都被订满了，可见游客数量非常庞大。(Zhè zuò chéngshì de suǒyǒu jiǔdiàn dōu bèi dìngmǎn le, kějiàn yóukè shùliàng fēicháng pángdà.) — "All the hotels in this city are fully booked; it is clear that the number of tourists is enormous." You cannot physically see the number of tourists, but you can logically perceive it from the evidence of the booked hotels.可见 always introduces the second clause. It forces the speaker or writer to present their evidence first, establishing a shared context with the audience before drawing the conclusion. This front-loading of evidence is a hallmark of structured Chinese argumentation, making the subsequent conclusion feel more grounded and less abrupt.Formation Pattern
可见 (kějiàn) is consistent and logical. You must always present the evidence or factual observation first, followed by 可见 and the resulting conclusion. This pattern cannot be reversed.
， + 可见 + [Logical Conclusion Clause]
会议室的灯还亮着。(Huìyìshì de dēng hái liàngzhe.) — "The lights in the meeting room are still on."
， is almost always used to separate the two clauses, creating a slight pause that emphasizes the logical link.
可见 (kějiàn): This conjunction begins the second clause. It acts as the pivot point from observation to deduction.
可见里面还有人。(kějiàn lǐmiàn háiyǒu rén.) — "...it's clear there are still people inside."
会议室的灯还亮着，可见里面还有人。(Huìyìshì de dēng hái liàngzhe, kějiàn lǐmiàn háiyǒu rén.)
可见. This keeps 可见 at the front of its clause, reinforcing its role as a connector.
可见 + Conclusion | 他没来参加毕业典礼，可见他真的很失望。(Tā méi lái cānjiā bìyè diǎnlǐ, kějiàn tā zhēn de hěn shīwàng.) — He didn't come to the graduation ceremony; it's evident he is truly disappointed. |
可见 + Subject + Conclusion | 这个软件有很多用户好评，可见它的设计非常成功。(Zhège ruǎnjiàn yǒu hěnduō yònghù hǎopíng, kějiàn tā de shèjì fēicháng chénggōng.) — This software has many positive user reviews; it's clear its design is very successful. |
可见 can be strengthened by prefixing it with 由此 (yóucǐ), meaning "from this." The resulting phrase, 由此可见 (yóucǐ kějiàn), functions identically but carries a more academic or formal tone. 股市连续下跌一周，由此可见，投资者信心严重不足。(Gǔshì liánxù xiàdiē yīzhōu, yóucǐ kějiàn, tóuzīzhě xìnxīn yánzhòng bùzú.) — "The stock market has fallen for a week straight; from this, it can be seen that investor confidence is severely lacking."
When To Use It
可见 (kějiàn) is a versatile conjunction that bridges formal and informal contexts, making it useful in a wide range of situations where you are analyzing facts to reach a conclusion.可见 is highly effective for interpreting data, summarizing findings, and making business recommendations. It makes your conclusions sound objective and evidence-based.- When analyzing a report:
上个季度的销售额增长了20%，可见我们的新市场策略是有效的。(Shàng ge jìdù de xiāoshòu'é zēngzhǎng le 20%, kějiàn wǒmen de xīn shìchǎng cèlüè shì yǒuxiào de.)— "Sales in the last quarter grew by 20%; it is evident that our new market strategy is effective." - In an academic paper:
实验数据显示，A物质能够抑制细菌生长，可见其具有抗菌潜力。(Shíyàn shùjù xiǎnshì, A wùzhì nénggòu yìzhì xìjūn shēngzhǎng, kějiàn qí jùyǒu kàngjūn qiánlì.)— "The experimental data shows that substance A can inhibit bacterial growth; it's clear that it possesses antibacterial potential."
可见 frequently when interpreting the actions of others or making sense of everyday situations. It allows you to share your deductions with friends and family in a clear, logical way.- Discussing a friend's situation:
她最近总是说自己很累，周末也不出门，可见她需要好好休息一下。(Tā zuìjìn zǒngshì shuō zìjǐ hěn lèi, zhōumò yě bù chūmén, kějiàn tā xūyào hǎohǎo xiūxi yíxià.)— "She's always saying she's tired lately and doesn't go out on weekends; it's obvious she needs to get some proper rest." - Commenting on a public phenomenon:
这家新开的奶茶店每天都大排长龙，可见它的营销做得非常成功。(Zhè jiā xīn kāi de nǎichá diàn měitiān dōu dàpái chánglóng, kějiàn tā de yíngxiāo zuò de fēicháng chénggōng.)— "This new bubble tea shop has a long queue every day; it's clear their marketing has been done very successfully."
可见 is perfect for decoding digital cues.- Analyzing a text message:
他只回复了一个“哦”，可见他现在不方便聊天。(Tā zhǐ huífù le yí ge “ò”, kějiàn tā xiànzài bù fāngbiàn liáotiān.)— "He only replied with an 'Oh'; it's apparent he's not free to chat right now." - Observing social media behavior:
他把所有的社交媒体都设为私密了，可见他想暂时远离公众视线。(Tā bǎ suǒyǒu de shèjiāo méitǐ dōu shèwéi sīmì le, kějiàn tā xiǎng zànshí yuǎnlí gōngzhòng shìxiàn.)— "He set all his social media profiles to private; it's evident he wants to stay out of the public eye for a while."
Common Mistakes
可见 (kějiàn) by misinterpreting its function or misplacing it in a sentence. Avoiding these common pitfalls is key to using it correctly and naturally.可见 to describe something you can physically see. 可见 is for conclusions, not for eyesight.- Incorrect:
今天天气很好，我从窗户可见远处的山。(Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo, wǒ cóng chuānghu kějiàn yuǎnchù de shān.) - Why it's wrong: This sentence is about physically seeing mountains. The correct verb for this is
能看见 (néng kànjiàn)or just看见 (kànjiàn). - Correct:
今天天气很好，我从窗户能看见远处的山。(Jīntiān tiānqì hěn hǎo, wǒ cóng chuānghu néng kànjiàn yuǎnchù de shān.)
可见 requires a foundation of evidence. It cannot be used for pure speculation, wishful thinking, or predictions without a logical basis.- Incorrect:
我买了一张彩票，可见我会中大奖。(Wǒ mǎi le yì zhāng cǎipiào, kějiàn wǒ huì zhòng dàjiǎng.) - Why it's wrong: Buying a lottery ticket is the prerequisite for winning, but it is not evidence that you will win. The conclusion is a hope, not a logical deduction. For this, you might use
希望 (xīwàng)(to hope). - Correct (as a statement of hope):
我买了一张彩票，希望我能中大奖。(Wǒ mǎi le yì zhāng cǎipiào, xīwàng wǒ néng zhòng dàjiǎng.)
可见 is a conjunction that must appear at the beginning of the conclusion clause. It cannot be placed at the end of the sentence like some English adverbs (e.g., "...evidently.").- Incorrect:
他考试得了满分，他学习很努力，可见。(Tā kǎoshì dé le mǎnfēn, tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì, kějiàn.) - Why it's wrong: The structure requires the evidence first, then
可见to introduce the conclusion. It cannot be tacked on at the end. - Correct:
他考试得了满分，可见他学习很努力。(Tā kǎoshì dé le mǎnfēn, kějiàn tā xuéxí hěn nǔlì.)
可见 with 看来可见 is for strong, logical conclusions, while 看来 (kànlái) is for impressions or subjective judgments.可见 (kějiàn) | High Certainty | Objective Evidence / Logical Deduction | 报告里有很多错误，可见他做得太仓促了。(Bàogào lǐ yǒu hěnduō cuòwù, kějiàn tā zuò de tài cāngcù le.) — The report has many errors; it's evident he did it too hastily. |看来 (kànlái) | Medium Certainty | Subjective Impression / General Feeling | 天阴了，看来要下雨了。(Tiān yīn le, kànlái yào xiàyǔ le.) — The sky is overcast; it looks like it's going to rain. |看来 in the report example would imply it's just your impression, whereas 可见 states it as a firm conclusion based on the evidence of the errors.Real Conversations
Here is how 可见 (kějiàn) appears in natural, everyday discussions. Notice how it is used to analyze situations and draw conclusions based on shared observations.
Scenario 1
小张 (Xiǎo Zhāng): 你看王伟的朋友圈了吗？他最近发的都是健身和读书的内容。
(Nǐ kàn Wáng Wěi de péngyouquān le ma? Tā zuìjìn fā de dōushì jiànshēn hé dúshū de nèiróng.)
"Have you seen Wang Wei's social media feed? Lately, all he's been posting is about working out and reading."
小李 (Xiǎo Lǐ): 是啊，而且他上周还说他报了一个管理课程。可见，他分手以后真的很努力地在提升自己。
(Shì a, érqiě tā shàng zhōu hái shuō tā bào le yí ge guǎnlǐ kèchéng. Kějiàn, tā fēnshǒu yǐhòu zhēn de hěn nǔlì de zài tíshēng zìjǐ.)
"Yeah, and last week he also said he signed up for a management course. It's clear that after his breakup, he's really trying hard to improve himself."
Scenario 2
经理 (Jīnglǐ): 这个项目的截止日期已经推迟两次了。怎么回事？
(Zhège xiàngmù de jiézhǐ rìqī yǐjīng tuīchí liǎng cì le. Zěnme huíshì?)
"The deadline for this project has already been postponed twice. What's going on?"
员工 (Yuángōng): 主要是因为客户那边一直在改变需求，我们每次都要重新调整方案。可见，最初的沟通和需求确认环节没有做好。
(Zhǔyào shì yīnwèi kèhù nàbiān yìzhí zài gǎibiàn xūqiú, wǒmen měicì dōuyào chóngxīn tiáozhěng fāng'àn. Kějiàn, zuìchū de gōutōng hé xūqiú quèrèn huánjié méiyǒu zuòhǎo.)
"It's mainly because the client keeps changing the requirements, and we have to readjust the plan every time. It is evident that the initial communication and requirements confirmation stage was not done well."
Quick FAQ
可见? Can I use it with my boss and my friends?可见 is considered a neutral-to-slightly-formal conjunction. This makes it incredibly versatile. It is formal enough for a business report or academic discussion but common enough to be used in everyday conversations with friends without sounding stiff. Its more formal cousin, 由此可见 (yóucǐ kějiàn), is best reserved for written arguments or formal presentations.
可见?Yes, in standard written Chinese, a comma should precede 可见. This punctuation marks the separation between the evidence clause and the conclusion clause, mirroring the pause in spoken language. It helps the reader or listener clearly distinguish the premise from the deduction.
Absolutely. When the subject is the same, it is often omitted in the second clause for conciseness, as it's already understood.
- Example:
他为了准备考试，连续一个月没看电影了，可见他这次下了很大的决心。(Tā wèile zhǔnbèi kǎoshì, liánxù yí ge yuè méi kàn diànyǐng le, kějiàn tā zhècì xià le hěn dà de juéxīn.)— "To prepare for the exam, he hasn't watched a movie for a month straight; it's clear (he) is very determined this time."
可见 for a conclusion about the past?Yes. The evidence can be in the present, but the conclusion can be about a past event. For example: 地上全是水，可见刚才有人在这里拖地了。(Dìshang quánshì shuǐ, kějiàn gāngcái yǒurén zài zhèlǐ tuōdì le.) — "The floor is all wet; it's evident someone was mopping here just now."
可见 be used in a question?Generally, no. 可见 is used to state a firm conclusion, so it inherently has a declarative tone. Using it in a question would create a contradiction, as if you are simultaneously asserting and questioning your own deduction. Instead, you would use other structures to ask for confirmation, like 是不是 (shìbushì). For instance, instead of an awkward 可见他生气了吗？, you'd say 他一天没回我信息，他是不是生气了？(Tā yìtiān méi huí wǒ xìnxī, tā shìbushì shēngqì le?) — "He hasn't replied to my message all day, is he angry?"
Logical Structure Table
| Part 1 (Evidence) | Connector | Part 2 (Conclusion) |
|---|---|---|
|
Facts provided
|
{可见|kějiàn}
|
Logical result
|
|
Data shown
|
{可见|kějiàn}
|
Inference made
|
|
Situation observed
|
{可见|kějiàn}
|
Deduction drawn
|
Meanings
A conjunction used to draw a logical conclusion from the facts or evidence previously mentioned.
Logical Deduction
Drawing a conclusion from facts.
“天气变冷了，{可见|kějiàn}冬天快到了。”
“他没来开会，{可见|kějiàn}他很忙。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Standard
|
Clause A, {可见|kějiàn} Clause B
|
他没来，{可见|kějiàn}他病了。
|
|
Formal
|
Evidence. {可见|kějiàn}, Conclusion.
|
数据下降。{可见|kějiàn}，情况不妙。
|
|
Emphasis
|
Evidence. 由此{可见|kějiàn}，Conclusion.
|
由此{可见|kějiàn}，我们必须改变。
|
Formality Spectrum
项目进展缓慢，{可见|kějiàn}其前景堪忧。 (Work status update)
项目进展很慢，{可见|kějiàn}它不太好。 (Work status update)
项目不行了，{可见|kějiàn}没戏了。 (Work status update)
项目凉了，{可见|kějiàn}没救了。 (Work status update)
The Logic Flow
Input
- 事实 Facts
Output
- 结论 Conclusion
Examples by Level
他很忙，{可见|kějiàn}他没时间。
He is busy, so he has no time.
外面下雨了，{可见|kějiàn}我们不能去公园。
It is raining outside, so we cannot go to the park.
他的成绩很好，{可见|kějiàn}他学习很努力。
His grades are good, which shows he studies hard.
市场需求在增加，{可见|kějiàn}这个项目很有潜力。
Market demand is increasing, which shows this project has potential.
数据表明用户流失严重，{可见|kějiàn}我们的产品体验有待改进。
Data shows high user churn, which indicates our product experience needs improvement.
历史总是惊人地相似，{可见|kějiàn}人类从未真正吸取教训。
History is always surprisingly similar, which shows humans have never truly learned their lessons.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'therefore'.
Common Mistakes
{可见|kějiàn} 我很累。
我很累，{可见|kějiàn}我需要休息。
他喜欢苹果，{可见|kějiàn}他喜欢香蕉。
他喜欢苹果，{可见|kějiàn}他喜欢水果。
我很难过，{可见|kějiàn}我哭了。
我哭了，{可见|kějiàn}我很伤心。
可见，我们应该走。
由此可见，我们应该走。
Sentence Patterns
___，{可见|kějiàn}___。
Real World Usage
大家都在转发，可见这事儿很火。
我完成了目标，可见我有能力。
你没回消息，可见你在忙。
人很多，可见这里很受欢迎。
评价很高，可见味道不错。
数据显著，可见结论成立。
Use it for emphasis
Smart Tips
Use {可见|kějiàn} to summarize your points.
Pronunciation
Tone
Both characters are 4th and 4th tone. Keep it sharp.
Pause after evidence
Evidence... {可见|kějiàn}... Conclusion.
Adds emphasis to the deduction.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ke-Jian' as 'Can-See'. If you can see the evidence, you can see the conclusion.
Visual Association
Imagine a detective looking at a footprint (evidence) and using a magnifying glass ({可见|kějiàn}) to conclude the suspect was here.
Rhyme
Evidence clear, {可见|kějiàn} is here, the conclusion is near.
Story
The detective found a muddy boot. He looked at the floor. {可见|kějiàn}, the thief entered through the window. The case was solved.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences today using {可见|kějiàn} to explain something you observed.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in formal speeches and news reports.
Derived from classical Chinese '可' (can) and '见' (see).
Conversation Starters
看到大家都在穿羽绒服，{可见|kějiàn}？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
他每天运动，___他身体很好。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
可见，他很聪明。
可见 / 他 / 没来 / 他 / 很忙
He is late, so he is busy.
Answer starts with: 他迟到...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
他很努力，所以他成功了。
Can {可见|kějiàn} be used for feelings?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises他每天运动，___他身体很好。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
可见，他很聪明。
可见 / 他 / 没来 / 他 / 很忙
He is late, so he is busy.
Match.
他很努力，所以他成功了。
Can {可见|kějiàn} be used for feelings?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises他每天学习十个小时，___ 他非常想通过考试。
If you are writing a formal university essay, which phrase is best to replace 可见?
Reorder the sentence:
She didn't eat breakfast, it is obvious she was in a hurry.
可见天黑了，因为路灯亮了。
Pair the first clause with the correct second clause.
太黑了，我什么都看不___。
Which sentence uses the 'casual gossip' word?
Reorder the sentence:
It is obvious that he lied.
他手机关机了，他可见不想被打扰。
_____，环保政策对城市发展非常重要。
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes, but it sounds a bit formal. Use it when you are making a point.
It is similar, but {可见|kějiàn} implies you have observed evidence.
Only if you have already provided the evidence in the previous sentence.
由此可见 is just a more formal, emphatic version.
Yes, e.g., '他没来，可见他不在家。'
It is common in professional or analytical speech.
Yes, if the evidence is current.
People will understand, but it might sound slightly unnatural.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
It is evident that
English uses 'it is evident that' as a phrase; Chinese uses a two-character connector.
Por lo tanto
Chinese {可见|kějiàn} implies visual evidence.
Daraus lässt sich schließen
German is more verbose.
～からわかるように
Japanese requires more particles.
مما يدل على
Arabic is more formal.
由此可见
None, just emphasis.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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