出来 chū lái

Learn the two main meanings of 出来 (chū lái) as a directional complement: “out/forth” (not necessarily outward direction) and “perceive/make out” (with senses)

Introduction to 出来 (chū lái)

出来 (chū lái) is a directional complement formed by combining 出 (chū) meaning “out” with 来 (lái) meaning “toward the speaker”.

As a directional complement, 出来 has two main usages:

To bring/come out – but not necessarily in a physical outward direction (can be abstract)
To perceive, to make out – using the senses to recognize or identify something

The key insight is that 出来 often indicates making something manifest or apparent, whether physically bringing it out or mentally perceiving/recognizing it.

出来

chū lái

to bring out / to perceive

Key Concept: “Making Manifest”

Both meanings of 出来 share the concept of making something manifest or apparent:

Physical/Abstract “Out”

Bringing something out into visibility or existence

拿出来

take out / bring out

Perceptual “Out”

Making something recognizable through senses

听出来

recognize by hearing

Meaning: “Out/Forth” (Not Necessarily Outward Direction)

When 出来 (chū lái) is used in its directional sense, it indicates bringing something out or making something appear – but not necessarily in a physical outward direction. It can be abstract, like bringing out an idea or producing something.

The emphasis is on making something manifest or available, often toward the speaker or in a way that makes it accessible.

Visualization: From Concealed to Revealed

出来 (chū lái) – From Inside to Outside

Inside

Concealed

Not Visible

Outside

Revealed

Visible/Accessible

Key Concept: 出来 indicates transition from concealed/not manifest to revealed/manifest

Examples: “Out/Forth” Meaning

Chinese	Pinyin	English	Grammar Point
你送给她什么礼物？快拿出来让我看看！	nǐ sòng gěi tā shénme lǐwù? kuài ná chūlái ràng wǒ kànkan!	What gift did you give her? Quickly take it out and let me see!	拿出来 take out / bring out
我还没想出来这个周末要干什么。	wǒ hái méi xiǎng chūlái zhège zhōumò yào gàn shénme.	I haven’t figured out (thought out) what to do this weekend yet.	想出来 think out / figure out
把这个文件打印出来，拿到我的办公室。	bǎ zhège wénjiàn dǎyìn chūlái, ná dào wǒde bàngōngshì.	Print out this document and bring it to my office.	打印出来 print out

Not Necessarily Physical Direction

Unlike simple directional complements, 出来 often has abstract or figurative meanings:

写出来

xiě chūlái

Literal: write out

Figurative: express in writing

Example: 把你的想法写出来。
Write out your thoughts.

说出来

shuō chūlái

Literal: speak out

Figurative: verbalize, express

Example: 把你的问题说出来。
Speak out your problems.

Key insight: 出来 often means “to make manifest” rather than just “to move outward”.

Meaning: “Perceive, Make Out” (With Senses)

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