Learn how to use directional verb compounds as complements to indicate direction of action
1 Introduction: Building on Previous Knowledge
In the previous lesson, we learned about “来 (lái)” and “去 (qù)” as suffixes to motion verbs – 上, 下, 出, 进, 回, 过. Now we will learn how these verb compounds, together with one additional compound – 起来 (to get up), can themselves be used as suffixes to other verbs to indicate direction.
Two Levels of Directional Suffixes
- Motion Verb + 来/去
- Examples: 上来, 下去, 出来, 进去
- 7 total compounds (including 起来)
- Main Verb + Verb Compound
- Examples: 跑出去, 站起来, 放下来
- Indicates direction of action
The Special Compound: 起来 (qǐlái)
In addition to the 6 directional compounds from the previous lesson, we have one more important compound: 起来 (qǐlái) meaning “to get up” or “to rise.”
This compound follows the same grammatical patterns as the other directional compounds.
上来 (shàng lái)
to come up
下来 (xià lái)
to come down
出来 (chū lái)
to come out
进来 (jìn lái)
to come in
回来 (huí lái)
to come back
过来 (guò lái)
to come over
起来 (qǐ lái)
to get up
2 Basic Sentence Structure
The basic structure for using directional verb compounds as complements is: Subject + Main Verb + Verb Compound. The verb compound indicates the direction of the action described by the main verb.
Basic Sentence Examples
| Structure | Chinese | English Translation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| S + V + Verb Compound |
她跑出去了。
|
She ran out. | |
| S + V + Verb Compound |
你站起来！
|
You stand up! |
Action Flow Visualization
Key Concept: The main verb describes the action, and the verb compound describes the direction of that action.
Example: 跑 (run) + 出去 (go out) = 跑出去 (run out)
Common Verb + Compound Combinations
3 Sentences with Objects
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4 Sentences with Specific Places
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Practice Exercises
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