Learn how to use directional verbs 来 (come) and 去 (go) in Chinese, including compound verbs and directional meanings
1 Basic Meaning and Usage
In Chinese, “来 (lái)” and “去 (qù)” can express both motion (come/go) and direction (toward/away from the speaker).
Dual Functions of 来 and 去
- Motion: To come
- Direction: Toward the speaker
- Reference point: Speaker’s location
- Motion: To go
- Direction: Away from the speaker
- Reference point: Away from speaker
Basic Sentence Examples
| Structure | Chinese | English Translation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject + 来 |
你来。
|
You come (here). | |
| Subject + 去 |
我去。
|
I go (there). |
Speaker’s Perspective Visualization
Key Concept: The speaker’s location is the reference point for determining whether to use 来 or 去.
2 Compound Directional Verbs
“来” and “去” can also be used as suffixes attached to 6 special verbs of motion. When combined, they form compound directional verbs that retain the meaning of motion and direction in relation to the speaker.
The 6 Special Motion Verbs
These are the basic directional verbs that can combine with 来 and 去:
3 Complete Verb Combinations
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Directional Comparison
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Practice Exercises
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