​​Alternative meanings of directional complements
Some directional complements have additional meanings unrelated to movement or direction. These meanings focus on the result of an action.
HSK 3new HSK 3Complements
Alternative meanings of simple directional complements
Most complements have several alternative meanings.
上
1) expresses the beginning of an action or state.
2) expresses the connection of two objects. Synonym: the complement: 上去
3) expresses the achievement of a goal with great efforts. Synonym: the complement 到
下
1) expresses the doing of an action. It is often used as part of the potential complement. Synonym: the complement 了(liǎo), 好
2) expresses a change in state. Synonym: the complement 住
出
Expresses the ability to recognise an object or person as a result of doing something. 出 is used with 4 verbs: (and understand or recognize) (a visual) Synonym: the complement 出来
过
1) expresses an excessive action (money)
2) expresses superiority. It is often used as part of the potential complement.
起
1) expresses the transition to another state.
2) expresses the beginning of an action. Synonym: the complement 起来
3) expresses the doing of an action. In this case, 起 is used as part of a complement.
4) expresses a desire or reluctance to do something. In this case, it is used as part of the potential complement. (don't like it) (by taxi, plane, etc.)
Alternative meanings of compound directional complements
上来
Expresses the ability to do something. In this case, it is used as part of the potential complement. It is commonly used with the following verbs: or Synonym: the complement 了(liǎo)
Examples
那些问题我都能答得上来
I can answer all ofl those questions
nàxiē wèntí wǒ dōu néng dá de shànglái
上去
1) expresses attaching "A" onto "B" by doing an action. It is commonly used with the following verbs: Synonym: the complement 上
Examples
我和母亲一起把吊灯挂上去了
My mother and I hung up the chandelier
wǒ hé mǔqīn yìqǐ bǎ diàodēng guà shàngqù le
2) expresses an impression or feeling towards someone after they do an action. 上去 is used with the following verbs of physical perception: Synonym: the complement 起来
Examples
妈妈看上去很累
My mother looks tired
māma kàn shàngqù hěn lèi
下来
1) means "to keep something unchanged". It is commonly used with the following verbs:
Examples
我们在水边坐了下来
We sat down by the water
wǒmen zài shuǐbiān zuò le xiàlái
2) means "to separate or divide something". It is commonly used with the following verbs:
Examples
门从铰链上扯下来了
The door was off its hinges
mén cóng jiǎoliàn shàng chě xiàlái le
3) indicates stepping down from a high level to a low level. It can be placed after a verb or an adjective. It is commonly used with the following words:
Examples
让孩子们安静下来
Keep the children quiet
ràng háizimen ānjìng xiàlái
4) indicates that an action began in the past and continues to the present. It is commonly used with the following verbs:
Examples
这个故事是口头流传下来的
The story is passed on by word of mouth
zhè ge gùshi shì kǒutóu liúchuán xiàlái de
下去
Indicates the continuation of an action or a state. It can be placed after a verb or an adjective. The adjective usually has a negative connotation.
Pay attention
It is important to know that 下去 indicates a duration from the present to the future.
It is commonly used with the following words:
Examples
我们必须坚持下去
We must persevere
wǒmen bìxū jiānchí xiàqù
出来
1) expresses a change from being unrecognizable to recognizable. 出来 is used with 4 verbs: (and understand or recognize) (a visual) Synonym: the complement 出
Examples
你的声音一下子就能听出来
Your voice is instantly recognizable
nǐ de shēngyīn yíxiàzi jiù néng tīng chūlái
2) indicates that an action caused something to happen. It is commonly used with the following verbs:
Examples
她大声说了出来
She said it out loud
tā dàshēng shuō le chūlái
过来
1) means "to come back to the original or normal state". It is commonly used with the following verbs: or
Examples
错误太多了，快把它改过来吧
There are too many mistakes. Correct them as soon as possible
cuòwù tài duō le, kuài bǎ tā gǎi guòlái ba
2) expresses that there is plenty of time, opportunities, or quantity. In this case, it is used as part of the potential complement. It is commonly used with the following verbs: or
Examples
他一个人忙不过来
He can't do it alone
tā yí ge rén máng bu guòlái
过去
Means "to fail to retain the original or normal state". It is commonly used with the following verbs:
Examples
我一看到自己的血就晕过去了
I fainted as soon as I saw my blood
wǒ yí kàn dào zìjǐ de xuè jiù yūn guòqù le
起来
1) expresses the beginning and continuation of an action. It can be placed after a verb or an adjective. It is commonly used with the following words:
Examples
天气冷起来了
It got colder
tiānqì lěng qǐlái le
下起雨来
It's raining
xià qǐ yǔ lái
2) means "to bring scattered items together". It is commonly used with the following verbs: or
Examples
知识是一点点积累起来的
Knowledge is accumulated gradually
zhīshì shì yìdiǎndian jīlěi qǐlái de
3) expresses an impression or feeling towards someone after doing multiple actions. It is commonly used with the following verbs: Synonym: the complement 上去
Examples
它穿起来很舒服
It is very comfortable to wear
tā chuān qǐlái hěn shūfu
你看起来苍白
You look pale
nǐ kàn qǐlái cāngbái
4) indicates a memory. It is used with 4 verbs. All of them are translated as "to remember":
Examples
啊，现在我想起来了
Ah, now I remember
a, xiànzài wǒ xiǎng qǐlái le
Learn more
The Potential ComplementThe Simple Directional ComplementsThe Compound Directional Complements
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