Learn the three meanings of 上 when used as a resultative verb complement in Chinese sentences
1 Understanding 上 as a Resultative Complement
The character 上 (shàng) has multiple meanings in Chinese. As a main verb, it means “to go up”, “to get on”, or indicates an upward direction. However, in this lesson, we focus on 上 as a resultative verb complement – it follows another verb to indicate the result of that action.
When used as a resultative complement, 上 has three distinct meanings that go beyond its basic directional sense.
Resultative Complement Structure
Key Concept: Resultative Complements
What is a Resultative Complement?
A resultative complement is a word that follows a verb to indicate the result of that action:
上 as a Result Complement
When 上 is used as a resultative complement, it doesn’t mean “up” literally:
2 Meaning 1: Up/On (Successful Completion)
The first meaning of 上 as a resultative complement is to indicate that an action has been successfully completed, often with the sense of something being put “on” or made “secure”. This is the most literal extension of 上’s basic meaning.
Examples of Meaning 1
Dialogue Example
Understanding This Meaning
Literal Connection
This meaning is closest to 上’s basic meaning of “up” or “on”:
Key Concept: Completion
The emphasis is on successful completion of the action:
3 Meaning 2: Reaching One’s Goal
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4 Meaning 3: To One’s Satisfaction or Expectation
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Practice Exercises
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