A1 · Beginner Chapter 4

Starting, Continuing, and Revealing

5 Total Rules
53 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master dynamic directional complements to describe how actions start, continue, and reveal hidden information.

  • Use 起来(qǐlái) to trigger the start of an action or express a first impression.
  • Apply 出来(chūlái) to reveal secrets, recognize people, or bring ideas into existence.
  • Manage time and state with 下来(xiàlái) for recording and 下去(xiàqù) for continuing.
Move your verbs forward, downward, and outward!

What You'll Learn

Ready to supercharge your Chinese verbs? This chapter is your secret weapon for making your conversations sound natural and dynamic! Don't worry, it's easier than you think and incredibly rewarding. You'll start by mastering '起来' (qǐlái). This versatile complement describes actions or feelings that *spring up* suddenly – like standing up, or happiness welling up inside you. Plus, learn to use it after sensory verbs to express how something *looks* or *sounds*. Next, we dive into '下去' (xiàqù). This handy word is perfect for when you want an action to *continue* from now into the future. Want to tell someone to 'keep talking' or 'keep studying'? '下去' is your go-to! Then, we'll explore '下来' (xiàlái). This complement is all about *capturing* and *preserving*. Use it when you take a photo, write down important information, or describe an action settling into a stable state, like a car *stopping*. Finally, you'll unlock '出来' (chūlái). This powerful complement helps you talk about actions that *bring something new into existence* or *reveal* something previously hidden. Imagine a new idea *coming to mind* or a secret *being uncovered*. These aren't just abstract rules; they're essential for real-life conversations! Picture yourself saying, 'Let's *get up* and go!' (起来), 'Please *continue* your story!' (下去), 'That painting *looks* amazing!' (看起来), or 'I *figured out* the answer!' (出来). You’ll express these with confidence. By the end of this chapter, you’ll add incredible depth and flow to your Chinese, sounding more like a native speaker. Let's make your Chinese shine!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to describe the sudden start of an emotion or action using 起来(qǐlái).
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to express sensory impressions (looks like/sounds like) using 起来(qǐlái).
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to use 出来(chūlái) to describe the revelation of information or the creation of something new.
  4. 4
    By the end you will be able to distinguish between capturing a moment with 下来(xiàlái) and continuing an action with 下去(xiàqù).

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to your essential guide for mastering dynamic verbs in Chinese grammar A1! This chapter, "Starting, Continuing, and Revealing," is your secret weapon to making your conversations sound incredibly natural and expressive. As you progress through your A1 Chinese journey, you’ll discover that simply knowing vocabulary isn't enough; how you convey the nuance of an action is key. That's where these powerful verb complements come in. We'll explore 起来 (qǐlái), 下去 (xiàqù), 下来 (xiàlái), and 出来 (chūlái). These aren't just abstract rules; they’re the building blocks for real-life communication, helping you describe actions that spring up, continue, are preserved, or are revealed. By understanding these core concepts, you'll add incredible depth and flow to your Chinese, moving beyond basic sentences to truly express yourself. Get ready to supercharge your verbs and sound more like a native speaker!

How This Grammar Works

Let's dive into the fascinating world of Chinese grammar complements that add incredible depth to your verbs. First up, 起来 (qǐlái) is our "Activation Switch." It describes actions or feelings that *spring up* or *start* suddenly. Think of someone standing up: 他站起来了 (Tā zhàn qǐlái le - He stood up). It also works with emotions, like happiness welling up: 他高兴起来了 (Tā gāoxìng qǐlái le - He became happy). Crucially, 起来 can also be used after sensory verbs to express how something "looks like" or "sounds like": 这个菜闻起来很香 (Zhège cài wén qǐláil hěn xiāng - This dish smells very fragrant).
Next, we have 下去 (xiàqù), the "Magic of 下去(xiàqù)" for continuing actions. If you want an action to *keep going* from now into the future, 下去 is your go-to. For example, 请你继续说下去 (Qǐng nǐ jìxù shuō xiàqù - Please continue speaking). Or, if you’re studying: 我要学习下去 (Wǒ yào xuéxí xiàqù - I want to keep studying).
Then, meet 下来 (xiàlái), our "Capturing & Preserving" complement. This Chinese resultative complement is all about an action *settling* into a stable state or being *recorded*. Imagine taking a photo: 拍下来 (Pāi xiàlái - To take a photo and keep it). Or writing something down: 写下来 (Xiě xiàlái - To write it down). It can also indicate a decrease and stabilization, like cooling down: 天气凉下来了 (Tiānqì liáng xiàlái le - The weather cooled down).
Finally, 出来 (chūlái), our "Completing & Revealing" complement. This powerful addition helps you talk about actions that *bring something new into existence* or *reveal* something previously hidden. If an idea comes to mind: 我想出来一个办法 (Wǒ xiǎng chūlái yīgè bànfǎ - I thought of an idea). Or if you figure something out: 我看出来了 (Wǒ kàn chūlái le - I figured it out / I saw it clearly). It signifies an outcome or a revelation.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 他高兴了 (Tā gāoxìng le) - (He became happy.)
✓ Correct: 他高兴起来了 (Tā gāoxìng qǐlái le) - (He became happy/cheered up.)
*Explanation:* While "高兴了" can mean happy, adding 起来 emphasizes the *sudden onset* or *welling up* of the happiness, making it sound more natural for a change in emotional state.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 我写这个字 (Wǒ xiě zhège zì) - (I write this character.)
✓ Correct: 我把这个字写下来 (Wǒ bǎ zhège zì xiě xiàlái) - (I wrote this character down.)
*Explanation:* Simply "写" means to write. Adding 下来 specifically implies writing it *down* for preservation or record, which is a common and important nuance in Chinese.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 我看答案 (Wǒ kàn dá'àn) - (I look at the answer.)
✓ Correct: 我看出来答案了 (Wǒ kàn chūlái dá'àn le) - (I figured out the answer.)
*Explanation:* "看" means to look. "看出来" means to *discern* or *figure out* something hidden or previously unclear, bringing it into existence (in your mind).

Real Conversations

A

A

你为什么站起来了？ (Nǐ wèishénme zhàn qǐlái le? - Why did you stand up?)
B

B

我想去喝水。 (Wǒ xiǎng qù hē shuǐ. - I want to go drink water.)
A

A

这个故事很有趣，请你讲下去吧！ (Zhège gùshì hěn yǒuqù, qǐng nǐ jiǎng xiàqù ba! - This story is very interesting, please continue telling it!)
B

B

好的，没问题。 (Hǎo de, méi wèntí. - Okay, no problem.)
A

A

你把我的电话号码记下来了吗？ (Nǐ bǎ wǒ de diànhuà hàomǎ jì xiàlái le ma? - Did you write down my phone number?)
B

B

记下来了，谢谢！ (Jì xiàlái le, xièxie! - Yes, I wrote it down, thanks!)

Quick FAQ

Q

How do you use 起来 to describe how something "looks" or "sounds" in A1 Chinese?

You place 起来 directly after a sensory verb like 看 (kàn - to look) or 听 (tīng - to listen), e.g., 这个苹果看起来很好吃 (Zhège píngguǒ kàn qǐlái hěn hǎochī - This apple looks delicious).

Q

What's the main difference between 下去 and 下来 in Chinese grammar?

下去 implies continuation into the future, like "keep doing X." 下来 suggests an action settling or being preserved, like "write X down" or "cool down."

Q

Can 出来 be used to mean "appear" or "come out" literally?

Yes, absolutely! For example, 太阳出来了 (Tàiyáng chūlái le - The sun came out). It literally means something emerges from inside to outside.

Q

Are these complements always necessary, or can I sometimes omit them?

While you can often convey a basic meaning without them, using these complements adds crucial nuance, specificity, and natural flow to your Chinese sentences. They are essential for sounding like a native speaker.

Cultural Context

These verb complements are incredibly common in everyday Chinese conversation and are key to sounding natural and fluent. Native speakers use them instinctively to convey precise meanings about the initiation, continuation, completion, or revelation of actions. They add a layer of expressiveness that simple verbs alone cannot achieve. For instance, merely saying "写" (to write) is less specific than "写下来" (to write down for record), reflecting a cultural emphasis on recording and preserving information. Mastering these structures isn't just about grammar; it's about understanding the subtle ways Chinese speakers perceive and describe the world around them.

Key Examples (8)

1

听完那个笑话，大家都笑起来了。

After hearing that joke, everyone started laughing.

Start Up: The Activation Switch (起来)
2

虽然是第一次见面，但他们很快就聊起天来了。

Even though it was their first time meeting, they started chatting very quickly.

Start Up: The Activation Switch (起来)
3

Can you read this character out loud?

Can you read this character out?

Completing & Revealing: Verb + 出来 (chūlái)
4

I can't come up with a good idea.

I can't think of a good idea.

Completing & Revealing: Verb + 出来 (chūlái)
5

这个蛋糕看起来很好吃。

This cake looks delicious.

How to Say "Looks Like" or "Sounds Like" with 起来
6

你的主意听起来很棒。

Your idea sounds great.

How to Say "Looks Like" or "Sounds Like" with 起来
7

请把这个写下来。

Please write this down.

Chinese Resultative Complement: Capturing & Preserving with 'xiàlái' (下来)
8

我想把美景拍下来。

I want to take a photo of the beautiful scenery.

Chinese Resultative Complement: Capturing & Preserving with 'xiàlái' (下来)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Listen for the tone

In casual speech, 'lái' is very short and soft.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Start Up: The Activation Switch (起来)
💡

The 'Recycle Bin' Trick

Think of {想起来|xiǎng qǐ lái} as retrieving a file from the Recycle Bin (Memory). Think of {想出来|xiǎng chū lái} as creating a New File (Invention).
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Completing & Revealing: Verb + 出来 (chūlái)
💡

Subjective vs Objective

Remember that '看起来' is your opinion. If you want to state a fact, don't use it.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: How to Say "Looks Like" or "Sounds Like" with 起来
💡

Object Placement

Always remember that the object usually goes after the verb, but before the complement if it's a location, or after the whole construction if it's a direct object.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Chinese Resultative Complement: Capturing & Preserving with 'xiàlái' (下来)

Key Vocabulary (7)

笑(xiào) to laugh/smile 听(tīng) to listen/hear 想(xiǎng) to think 记(jì) to remember/record 说(shuō) to speak/say 看(kàn) to look/watch 写(xiě) to write

Real-World Preview

lightbulb

The Creative Brainstorm

Review Summary

  • Verb + 起来 (qǐlái)
  • Verb + 出来 (chūlái)
  • Sensory Verb + 起来 (qǐlái)
  • Verb + 下来 (xiàlái)
  • Verb + 下去 (xiàqù)

Common Mistakes

Use 起来 for impressions (looks like). 出来 is for revealing something that was hidden or unknown.

Wrong: 我看出来很好 (Wǒ kàn chūlái hěn hǎo)
Correct: 看起来很好 (Kàn qǐlái hěn hǎo)

Recording information is seen as 'settling' it onto paper, which uses 下来. 下去 is for continuing an ongoing action.

Wrong: 请记下去 (Qǐng jì xiàqù)
Correct: 请记下来 (Qǐng jì xiàlái)

起来 marks the sudden start of an action. You cannot use it with a duration of time.

Wrong: 他笑起来了十分钟 (Tā xiào qǐlái le shí fēnzhōng)
Correct: 他笑了十分钟 (Tā shuō le shí fēnzhōng)

Next Steps

You've just unlocked one of the most unique and powerful features of Chinese grammar. Using these complements will make you sound incredibly fluent and expressive. Keep practicing!

Describe 3 items in your room using 看起来 (kàn qǐlái).

Write 3 things you want to 'keep doing' using 下去 (xiàqù).

Continue to: Can You Do It? Expressing Potential

Quick Practice (10)

Fill in the blank.

请把名字___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 写下来
We use {下来|xiàlái} for recording.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Chinese Resultative Complement: Capturing & Preserving with 'xiàlái' (下来)

Fill in the blank.

他看起来___累。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Adjective follows complement.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: How to Say "Looks Like" or "Sounds Like" with 起来

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

出来写。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 写出来
Complement follows verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Completing & Revealing: Verb + 出来 (chūlái)

Choose the best fit.

他___了一首好诗。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 写出来
Result of writing.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Completing & Revealing: Verb + 出来 (chūlái)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

下去跑！

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 跑下去
Complement follows the verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Keep Going: The Magic of {下去|xiàqù}

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Adjective usage.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: How to Say "Looks Like" or "Sounds Like" with 起来

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

看书起来

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 看起书来
Split object.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Start Up: The Activation Switch (起来)

Fill in the blank.

你___这首歌了吗？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 听出来
Recognizing a song.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Completing & Revealing: Verb + 出来 (chūlái)

Which is correct?

我吃不下去了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Correct
Correct use of negative potential and '了'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Keep Going: The Magic of {下去|xiàqù}

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

他看很累。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Need complement.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: How to Say "Looks Like" or "Sounds Like" with 起来

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, only verbs that imply a process or change.
It's a grammatical requirement for directional complements.
No, it works best with verbs that imply a result or sensory recognition.
出来 is towards the speaker; 出去 is away from the speaker.
No, only for visual impressions.
Use '看起来像狗'.
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Can You Do It? Expressing Potential
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