A1 Complement System 12 min read Easy

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

Use 下来 to describe 'saving' information, capturing photos, or stopping an action into a stable state.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {下来|xiàlái} after a verb to show an action is completed and brings something into a fixed or settled state.

  • Add {下来|xiàlái} after the main verb: {坐下来|zuò xiàlái} (sit down).
  • For negatives, use {没|méi} before the verb: {没坐下来|méi zuò xiàlái} (didn't sit down).
  • For questions, add {吗|ma} at the end: {坐下来了吗？|zuò xiàlái le ma?} (Did you sit down?)
Subject + Verb + 下来 + (Object)

Overview

In Chinese grammar, resultative complements (结果补语) are crucial for expressing the outcome or result of an action. Among these, 下来 (xiàlái) is particularly versatile, extending beyond its literal meaning of "to come down" to convey notions of fixation, retention, and stability. While 下 (xià) inherently means "down" and 来 (lái) means "to come," their combination as a resultative complement signifies that an action has led to a state where something is settled, preserved, or firmly established.

This pattern helps you describe actions that successfully "capture" or "hold onto" something, whether physically or metaphorically.

Think of 下来 (xiàlái) as marking the successful completion of an action that leaves a lasting trace or brings something to a stable, often lower, position. It bridges the gap between the verb and its lasting impact. For A1 learners, understanding 下来 (xiàlái) is fundamental because it appears frequently in daily conversations and covers essential communicative needs like recording information, settling into a place, or enduring a challenge.

It's not just about physical descent; it's about an action achieving a definite, retained result. Mastering this complement will significantly enhance your ability to express precise outcomes in Chinese.

How This Grammar Works

下来 (xiàlái) functions as a resultative complement, meaning it follows a verb to indicate the result or consequence of that verb's action. The core function of 下来 (xiàlái) as a resultative complement revolves around two main semantic extensions from its original directional meaning:
  1. 1Retention and Preservation: The most common abstract meaning of 下来 (xiàlái) is to indicate that an action has resulted in something being retained, preserved, or fixed. This applies broadly to information, memories, or objects. The action "brings down" or "fixes" the abstract or transient into a concrete, permanent state. For example, when you write something down, the information moves from your mind or from speech to a written form, where it is preserved. This is a crucial concept in modern communication.
  • 我把这个地址写下来了。 (Wǒ bǎ zhège dìzhǐ xiěxiàlái le.) – I wrote down this address. (The address is now preserved on paper.)
  • 请你把这些词都记下来。 (Qǐng nǐ bǎ zhèxiē cí dōu jìxiàlái.) – Please write down/note all these words. (The words are preserved for future reference.)
  1. 1Settling, Stopping, and Stability: 下来 (xiàlái) also conveys that an action results in a state of stopping, settling, or becoming stable after movement or activity. This can be physical, such as sitting down or a car stopping, or more abstract, like calming down or persisting through a difficulty. The underlying idea is that something has reached a resting or fixed point. It implies a transition from a dynamic state to a static one.
  • 他跑下来了。 (Tā pǎo xiàlái le.) – He ran down and stopped. (Implies both movement downwards and then stopping/settling.)
  • 大家都坐下来吧。 (Dàjiā dōu zuòxiàlái ba.) – Everyone, please sit down. (The action of sitting results in a stable, seated position.)
Crucially, as a resultative complement, 下来 (xiàlái) is tightly bound to the verb and primarily focuses on the outcome of the action, rather than simply its direction. While 下来 (xiàlái) can still function as a simple directional complement (e.g., 从楼上走下来 (cóng lóushàng zǒuxiàlái) – to walk down from upstairs), its resultative complement usage carries these specific semantic extensions of retention and stability. The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.

Formation Pattern

1
The structure for using 下来 (xiàlái) as a resultative complement is generally straightforward, but it's important to place all elements correctly.
2
Basic Affirmative Structure:
3
| Pattern | Example Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
4
| :-------------------------- | :-------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------- |
5
| Verb + 下来 (xiàlái) | 听下来 (tīngxiàlái) | tīngxiàlái | to listen and note down |
6
| Verb + 下来 (xiàlái) + Object | 写下来名字 (xiěxiàlái míngzi) | xiěxiàlái míngzi | to write down a name |
7
| Subject + Verb + 下来 (xiàlái) + Object + 了 (le) | 她拍下来照片了。 (Tā pāixiàlái zhàopiàn le.) | Tā pāixiàlái zhàopiàn le. | She took the picture (and kept it). |
8
The Verb describes the action, and 下来 (xiàlái) immediately follows it to denote the result of retention or settling.
9
When an Object is present, it typically follows 下来 (xiàlái). This is a common point of confusion for beginners who might try to place the object between the verb and 下来 (xiàlái).
10
Correct: 把手机拿下来 (bǎ shǒujī náxiàlái) – to take down the phone.
11
Incorrect: 拿手机下来 (ná shǒujī xiàlái) (This would imply 手机 is the goal of coming down, not the object being taken down).
12
The particle 了 (le) is frequently used with 下来 (xiàlái) because 下来 (xiàlái) implies the successful completion of an action that leads to a result. 了 (le) marks this perfective aspect. However, 了 (le) is not always mandatory, especially if the completion is implied by context or another time marker.
13
Negative Form (Inability to achieve the result):
14
To express that an action cannot achieve the desired result of retention or settling, the potential complement form 不 (bù) is inserted between the verb and 下来 (xiàlái).
15
| Pattern | Example Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
16
| :-------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------- |
17
| Verb + 不 (bù) + 下来 (xiàlái) | 写不下来 (xiěbuxiàlái) | xiěbuxiàlái | cannot write down |
18
| Verb + 不 (bù) + 下来 (xiàlái) + Object | 记不下来密码 (jìbuxiàlái mìmǎ) | jìbuxiàlái mìmǎ | cannot remember/note down the password |
19
这个太复杂了，我记不下来。 (Zhège tài fùzá le, wǒ jìbuxiàlái.) – This is too complicated, I can't remember/note it down.
20
座位满了，坐不下来了。 (Zuòwèi mǎn le, zuòbuxiàlái le.) – The seats are full, can't sit down anymore.
21
Potential Form (Ability to achieve the result):
22
To express that an action can achieve the desired result of retention or settling, the potential complement form 得 (de) is inserted between the verb and 下来 (xiàlái).
23
| Pattern | Example Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
24
| :-------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------- |
25
| Verb + 得 (de) + 下来 (xiàlái) | 写得下来 (xiědexiàlái) | xiědexiàlái | can write down |
26
| Verb + 得 (de) + 下来 (xiàlái) + Object | 记下来名字 (jìdexiàlái míngzi) | jìdexiàlái míngzi | can remember/note down a name |
27
这个字太多了，你能写下来吗？ (Zhège zì tài duō le, nǐ néng xiědexiàlái ma?) – There are too many characters, can you write them all down?
28
还好我们坚持下来了。 (Hái hǎo wǒmen jiānchíxiàlái le.) – Luckily, we persevered. (Implies the ability to continue and achieve the result of persisting).

When To Use It

下来 (xiàlái) is used in various contexts that share the common theme of an action resulting in something being settled, fixed, or preserved. Here are the primary applications:
  1. 1Recording and Retaining Information: This is one of the most common uses, indicating that information, thoughts, or memories are being captured and stored, often in a tangible form.
  • 写下来 (xiěxiàlái) – to write down. This is used for taking notes, jotting down ideas, or making lists. E.g., 老师说的话，我都写下来了。 (Lǎoshī shuō de huà, wǒ dōu xiěxiàlái le.) – I wrote down everything the teacher said.
  • 记下来 (jìxiàlái) – to make a note of, to remember (by noting down). Similar to 写下来, but can also refer to mentally noting something for retention. E.g., 你把我的电话号码记下来了吗？ (Nǐ bǎ wǒ de diànhuà hàomǎ jìxiàlái le ma?) – Did you write down my phone number?
  • 录下来 (lùxiàlái) – to record (audio/video). This refers to capturing sound or moving images for preservation. E.g., 我把演唱会录下来了。 (Wǒ bǎ yǎnchànghuì lùxiàlái le.) – I recorded the concert.
  1. 1Capturing and Preserving Media/Moments: Beyond simple information, 下来 (xiàlái) is used when visual or auditory experiences are captured and made permanent, often digitally.
  • 拍下来 (pāixiàlái) – to take a photo of, to capture an image. This implies that the action of photographing results in a preserved image. E.g., 这张照片是你拍下来的吗？ (Zhè zhāng zhàopiàn shì nǐ pāixiàlái de ma?) – Did you take this photo (and keep it)?
  • 存下来 (cúnxiàlái) – to save (a file/data). This is particularly relevant in digital contexts, meaning to store data permanently. E.g., 这份文件，你存下来了吗？ (Zhè fèn wénjiàn, nǐ cúnxiàlái le ma?) – Did you save this document?
  1. 1Achieving Stability or Stopping a Movement: This usage reflects the literal "settling down" aspect, where an action culminates in a stationary or stable state.
  • 坐下来 (zuòxiàlái) – to sit down. The action of moving to a seated position results in being stable in that position. E.g., 请坐下来休息一会儿。 (Qǐng zuòxiàlái xiūxí yīhuìr.) – Please sit down and rest for a while.
  • 停下来 (tíngxiàlái) – to stop, to halt. An action of moving ceases, resulting in a stationary state. E.g., 车突然停下来了。 (Chē túrán tíngxiàlái le.) – The car suddenly stopped.
  • 冷静下来 (lěngjìngxiàlái) – to calm down. This is a metaphorical settling, where one's emotions move from a agitated state to a calm, stable one. E.g., 他需要时间冷静下来。 (Tā xūyào shíjiān lěngjìngxiàlái.) – He needs time to calm down.
  1. 1Persisting Through Difficulty or Hardship: Here, 下来 (xiàlái) indicates that one has successfully endured or overcome a long or challenging process, resulting in a state of completion or survival.
  • 坚持下来 (jiānchíxiàlái) – to persist, to persevere. This means to hold on and continue until the end of a difficult situation. E.g., 不管多难，我们都要坚持下来。 (Bùguǎn duō nán, wǒmen dōu yào jiānchíxiàlái.) – No matter how difficult, we must persevere.
  • 活下来 (huóxiàlái) – to survive. This means to remain alive after a dangerous situation, resulting in a state of continued existence. E.g., 他在那次事故中活下来了。 (Tā zài nà cì shìgù zhōng huóxiàlái le.) – He survived that accident.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often encounter specific pitfalls when using 下来 (xiàlái). Understanding these common errors and their underlying reasons is crucial for accurate usage.
  1. 1Confusing 下来 (xiàlái) with 下去 (xiàqù): This is arguably the most frequent mistake. While both are directional complements, their resultative meanings are distinct.
  • 下来 (xiàlái): Implies completion, retention, stopping, or settling. The action concludes, and the result is fixed.
  • 下去 (xiàqù): Implies continuation or progression into the future. The action carries on.
  • Mistake: Using 写下去 (xiěxiàqù) when you mean "to write down." 写下去 (xiěxiàqù) means "to continue writing," not to record for preservation. If you want to write down notes, use 写下来 (xiěxiàlái). If you want someone to keep writing their essay, use 写下去 (xiěxiàqù).
  • Example: 请把你的名字写下来。 (Qǐng bǎ nǐ de míngzì xiěxiàlái.) (Please write down your name.) vs. 请继续写下去。 (Qǐng jìxù xiěxiàqù.) (Please continue writing.)
  1. 1Incorrect Object Placement: As mentioned in the formation section, the object typically follows 下来 (xiàlái) in the Verb + 下来 (xiàlái) + Object structure. Placing the object between the verb and the complement is grammatically incorrect for resultative complements.
  • Mistake: 我记密码下来了。 (Wǒ jì mìmǎ xiàlái le.)
  • Correct: 我记下来密码了。 (Wǒ jìxiàlái mìmǎ le.) or 我把密码记下来了。 (Wǒ bǎ mìmǎ jìxiàlái le.)
  • This is a rigid rule for resultative complements. The complement forms a tight unit with the verb, and the object comes after this unit.
  1. 1Misapplying 下来 (xiàlái) to Verbs Without a Result of Retention/Stability: Not every verb can naturally take 下来 (xiàlái) as a resultative complement. The verb's meaning must logically lead to an outcome of being fixed, preserved, or settled. For instance, you generally wouldn't say 吃下来 (chīxiàlái) (to eat down) in the sense of 'eating and retaining' unless you mean to eat a portion that has been taken down from a higher place, which is a different (directional) usage.
  • Mistake: Using 喝下来 (hēxiàlái) to mean "to drink up and retain." You would typically say 喝光 (hēguāng) (to drink completely) or simply 喝完 (hēwán) (to finish drinking).
  • The verb must be compatible with the semantic extension of 下来 (xiàlái). Focus on verbs related to recording, storing, taking a stable position, or enduring.
  1. 1Omitting 了 (le) When Completion Is Emphasized: While not always mandatory, 了 (le) often naturally accompanies 下来 (xiàlái) because the complement itself implies a successful, completed result. Beginners sometimes forget 了 (le), making the sentence sound incomplete or less natural.
  • Mistake: 他坐下来。 (Tā zuòxiàlái.) (Sounds a bit abrupt, more like a command or a general statement of action.)
  • More Natural: 他坐下来了。 (Tā zuòxiàlái le.) (He has sat down, indicating the action is completed and the result is now true.)
  • If you're asking about the completion, 了 (le) ma is common: 你把笔记都写下来了吗？ (Nǐ bǎ bǐjì dōu xiěxiàlái le ma?) – Have you written down all the notes?
  1. 1Overlooking the Nuance of Potential and Negative Forms: Simply using 不能 (bùnéng) or 没 (méi) instead of the 得/不 (de/bù) potential complement forms for 下来 (xiàlái) is another common error. Verb + 不 (bù) + 下来 (xiàlái) and Verb + 得 (de) + 下来 (xiàlái) express the ability or inability to achieve the result inherent in 下来 (xiàlái) itself.
  • Mistake: 我不能记下来那个号码。 (Wǒ bùnéng jìxiàlái nàge hàomǎ.) (While grammatically correct, 记不下来 (jìbuxiàlái) is more idiomatic for

Formation of {下来|xiàlái} Constructions

Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Verb + 下来
{写下来|xiě xiàlái}
Negative
没 + Verb + 下来
{没写下来|méi xiě xiàlái}
Question
Verb + 下来 + 吗
{写下来了吗？|xiě xiàlái le ma?}
With Object
Verb + 下来 + Object
{写下来名字|xiě xiàlái míngzi}
With Aspect
Verb + 下来 + 了
{记下来了|jì xiàlái le}
Potential
Verb + 不下来
{写不下来|xiě bù xiàlái}

Meanings

Indicates that an action has been successfully completed and the result is a state of stability or fixation.

1

Physical movement

Movement from a higher position to a lower one.

“他{走下来|zǒu xiàlái}了。”

“猫从树上{跳下来|tiào xiàlái}了。”

2

Fixation/Recording

Capturing information or thoughts so they are preserved.

“把这个{记下来|jì xiàlái}。”

“把你的想法{写下来|xiě xiàlái}。”

3

Continuation

An action that started in the past and continues into the present.

“这个习惯{传下来|chuán xiàlái}了。”

“我们一直{聊下来|liáo xiàlái}了。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Chinese Resultative Complement: Capturing & Preserving with 'xiàlái' (下来)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
V + 下来
{记下来|jì xiàlái}
Negative
没 + V + 下来
{没记下来|méi jì xiàlái}
Question
V + 下来 + 吗
{记下来了吗？|jì xiàlái le ma?}
Object Placement
V + 下来 + O
{记下来地址|jì xiàlái dìzhǐ}
Potential Negative
V + 不下来
{记不下来|jì bù xiàlái}
Past Completion
V + 下来 + 了
{记下来了|jì xiàlái le}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
请入座。

请入座。 (Giving instructions)

Neutral
请坐下来。

请坐下来。 (Giving instructions)

Informal
坐下！

坐下！ (Giving instructions)

Slang
坐！

坐！ (Giving instructions)

Uses of {下来|xiàlái}

{下来|xiàlái}

Physical

  • {走下来|zǒu xiàlái} walk down

Mental

  • {记下来|jì xiàlái} write down

State

  • {冷静下来|lěngjìng xiàlái} calm down
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Examples by Level

1

请{坐下来|zuò xiàlái}。

Please sit down.

2

把名字{写下来|xiě xiàlái}。

Write down the name.

3

他{走下来|zǒu xiàlái}了。

He walked down.

4

我没{记下来|jì xiàlái}。

I didn't write it down.

1

你把电话号码{存下来|cún xiàlái}了吗？

Did you save the phone number?

2

大家{冷静下来|lěngjìng xiàlái}。

Everyone calm down.

3

这个故事{传下来|chuán xiàlái}了。

This story has been passed down.

4

他把工作{做下来|zuò xiàlái}了。

He finished the work.

1

请把会议内容{记下来|jì xiàlái}。

Please record the meeting content.

2

我们终于{停下来|tíng xiàlái}休息了。

We finally stopped to rest.

3

他把那首歌{唱下来|chàng xiàlái}了。

He managed to sing the whole song.

4

这件事{留下来|liú xiàlái}了。

This matter has been left behind/preserved.

1

我们需要把这些数据{分析下来|fēnxī xiàlái}。

We need to analyze these data.

2

他把所有的困难都{克服下来|kèfú xiàlái}了。

He overcame all the difficulties.

3

这个传统一直{保留下来|bǎoliú xiàlái}了。

This tradition has been preserved.

4

请把你的想法{表达下来|biǎodá xiàlái}。

Please express your thoughts.

1

他把那段历史{研究下来|yánjiū xiàlái}了。

He finished researching that period of history.

2

我们把这个项目{坚持下来|jiānchí xiàlái}了。

We persisted and finished this project.

3

他把那本书{翻译下来|fānyì xiàlái}了。

He finished translating that book.

4

这些规则被{制定下来|zhìdìng xiàlái}了。

These rules have been established.

1

他把那场辩论{辩下来|biàn xiàlái}了。

He managed to win/finish the debate.

2

这个习俗在村里{流传下来|liúchuán xiàlái}了。

This custom has been passed down in the village.

3

他把那段复杂的代码{写下来|xiě xiàlái}了。

He wrote down that complex code.

4

这种精神被{传承下来|chuánchéng xiàlái}了。

This spirit has been inherited.

Easily Confused

Chinese Resultative Complement: Capturing & Preserving with 'xiàlái' (下来) vs {下来|xiàlái} vs {下去|xiàqù}

Both are directional complements, but they point in opposite directions.

Chinese Resultative Complement: Capturing & Preserving with 'xiàlái' (下来) vs {下来|xiàlái} vs {起来|qǐlái}

Both modify verbs, but {起来|qǐlái} marks the start of an action.

Chinese Resultative Complement: Capturing & Preserving with 'xiàlái' (下来) vs {下来|xiàlái} vs {出来|chūlái}

Both are directional, but {出来|chūlái} is for emerging.

Common Mistakes

✗

{下来写|xiàlái xiě}

✓

{写下来|xiě xiàlái}

The complement must follow the verb.
✗

{写了下来|xiě le xiàlái}

✓

{写下来了|xiě xiàlái le}

The aspect marker {了|le} goes at the end.
✗

{写下来名字|xiě xiàlái míngzi}

✓

{把名字写下来|bǎ míngzi xiě xiàlái}

Use {把|bǎ} for objects.
✗

{不写下来|bù xiě xiàlái}

✓

{没写下来|méi xiě xiàlái}

Use {没|méi} for completed actions.
✗

{坐下去|zuò xiàqù}

✓

{坐下来|zuò xiàlái}

Use {下来|xiàlái} for sitting.
✗

{记下来了名字|jì xiàlái le míngzi}

✓

{把名字记下来了|bǎ míngzi jì xiàlái le}

Object order.
✗

{冷静了下来|lěngjìng le xiàlái}

✓

{冷静下来了|lěngjìng xiàlái le}

Aspect marker placement.
✗

{传下去|chuán xiàqù}

✓

{传下来|chuán xiàlái}

Use {下来|xiàlái} for traditions.
✗

{分析了下来|fēnxī le xiàlái}

✓

{分析下来了|fēnxī xiàlái le}

Aspect marker.
✗

{坚持下去|jiānchí xiàqù}

✓

{坚持下来|jiānchí xiàlái}

Use {下来|xiàlái} for finishing.
✗

{辩下去|biàn xiàqù}

✓

{辩下来|biàn xiàlái}

Use {下来|xiàlái} for finishing.
✗

{传承下去|chuánchéng xiàqù}

✓

{传承下来|chuánchéng xiàlái}

Use {下来|xiàlái} for heritage.
✗

{制定下去|zhìdìng xiàqù}

✓

{制定下来|zhìdìng xiàlái}

Use {下来|xiàlái} for rules.

Sentence Patterns

请把___ {写下来|xiě xiàlái}。

他终于___ {坐下来|zuò xiàlái}了。

这个习惯被___ {传下来|chuán xiàlái}了。

我们要把___ {分析下来|fēnxī xiàlái}。

Real World Usage

Classroom very common

请把老师说的{记下来|jì xiàlái}。

Business Meeting common

请把会议要点{写下来|xiě xiàlái}。

Texting common

快{冷静下来|lěngjìng xiàlái}！

Travel occasional

请在前面{停下来|tíng xiàlái}。

Food Delivery rare

把地址{写下来|xiě xiàlái}。

Social Media common

把你的想法{写下来|xiě xiàlái}。

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💡

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.
⚠️

Don't confuse with {下去|xiàqù}

If you want to say 'continue', use {下去|xiàqù}. {下来|xiàlái} is for finishing.
🎯

Use {把|bǎ}

When using {下来|xiàlái} with an object, the {把|bǎ} structure is often the most natural choice.
💬

Politeness

Adding {请|qǐng} before the verb makes the instruction polite.

Smart Tips

Add {下来|xiàlái} to show the action is finished.

我写了名字。 → 我把名字写下来了。

Use {传下来|chuán xiàlái} for heritage.

这个传统传了。 → 这个传统传下来了。

Use {请|qǐng} + Verb + {下来|xiàlái}.

坐下。 → 请坐下来。

Use {记下来|jì xiàlái}.

我记了电话。 → 我把电话记下来了。

Pronunciation

xià-lai

Neutral Tone

{下来|xiàlái} often has a neutral tone on the second syllable in fast speech.

Falling

坐下来↘

Command or statement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of {下来|xiàlái} as a 'lock' that pulls an action down to the ground so it stays there.

Visual Association

Imagine a bird flying (the verb) and then landing on a branch (the complement {下来|xiàlái}) where it stays still.

Rhyme

Action done, state is set, add {下来|xiàlái}, don't forget!

Story

Xiao Ming was excited. He had a great idea. He grabbed a pen and {写下来|xiě xiàlái} the idea. Now the idea is safe on paper. He felt {冷静下来|lěngjìng xiàlái}.

Word Web

{记下来|jì xiàlái}{写下来|xiě xiàlái}{坐下来|zuò xiàlái}{冷静下来|lěngjìng xiàlái}{传下来|chuán xiàlái}{停下来|tíng xiàlái}

Challenge

Write down 3 things you need to do today using the {记下来|jì xiàlái} structure.

Cultural Notes

Used frequently in formal meetings to record minutes.

Similar usage, but sometimes {下来|xiàlái} is pronounced with a slightly different cadence.

Often used in Cantonese-influenced Mandarin, sometimes with slightly different verb choices.

Originated from the literal movement of descending, later grammaticalized to indicate resultative states.

Conversation Starters

“

你把老师的话{记下来|jì xiàlái}了吗？

“

你觉得我们应该怎么{冷静下来|lěngjìng xiàlái}？

“

这个传统是怎么{传下来|chuán xiàlái}的？

“

你如何把复杂的知识{分析下来|fēnxī xiàlái}？

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to write down important information.
How do you calm down after a stressful day?
Discuss a family tradition that has been passed down.
Reflect on a project you persisted with to completion.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

请把名字___。

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

Find and fix the mistake:

他坐了下来。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他坐下来了
{了|le} goes after the complement.
Choose the correct complement. Multiple Choice

这个故事一直___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 传下来
Traditions are 'passed down'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 把电话号码记下来
Standard {把|bǎ} structure.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

Please sit down.

Answer starts with: 请坐下...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 请坐下来
Standard command.
Match the verb to the complement. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 下来
Common collocation.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

他 / 冷静 / 下来 / 了

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他冷静下来了
Correct aspect placement.
Conjugate the negative. Conjugation Drill

写下来 -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 没写下来
Negative of completed action.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

请把名字___。

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

Find and fix the mistake:

他坐了下来。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他坐下来了
{了|le} goes after the complement.
Choose the correct complement. Multiple Choice

这个故事一直___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 传下来
Traditions are 'passed down'.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

下来 / 把 / 记 / 电话 / 号码

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 把电话号码记下来
Standard {把|bǎ} structure.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

Please sit down.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 请坐下来
Standard command.
Match the verb to the complement. Match Pairs

记 -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 下来
Common collocation.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

他 / 冷静 / 下来 / 了

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他冷静下来了
Correct aspect placement.
Conjugate the negative. Conjugation Drill

写下来 -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 没写下来
Negative of completed action.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

5 exercises
Put the words in the correct order to say 'Please write down your name.' Sentence Reorder

{写|xiě} / {下来|xiàlái} / {请|qǐng} / {名字|míngzì} / {你|nǐ} {的|de}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {请|qǐng} {写|xiě} {下来|xiàlái} {你|nǐ} {的|de} {名字|míngzì}。
Translate 'I recorded the song.' into Chinese. Translation

I recorded the song (audio/video).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{首|shǒu}{歌|gē}{录|lù}{下来|xiàlái}{了|le}。
Match the verb with its meaning when combined with '下来'. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all_matched
Fill in the blank: 'Can you save this meme?' Fill in the Blank

{你|nǐ}{能|néng}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{张|zhāng}{图|tú}{存|cún}___{吗|ma}？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {下来|xiàlái}
Which one means 'I remembered/memorized it' (mental) vs 'I wrote it down' (physical)? Multiple Choice

Which is for physical recording?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {记|jì}{下来|xiàlái}

Score: /5

FAQ (8)

No, it works best with verbs of motion, recording, or emotional states.

{下来|xiàlái} is for finishing/settling; {下去|xiàqù} is for continuing.

Always after the complement: {写下来了|xiě xiàlái le}.

It is neutral and used in all registers.

Yes, add {吗|ma} at the end.

It helps move the object before the verb for better flow.

Yes, very common in formal reports.

The sentence might sound incomplete or lack the 'settled' nuance.

Scaffolded Practice

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Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish partial

Bajar

Spanish lacks the resultative complement system.

French partial

Descendre

French uses different aspectual markers.

German partial

Herunter

German uses prefixes for resultative meanings.

Japanese partial

降りる

Japanese uses auxiliary verbs for aspect.

Arabic partial

نزل

Arabic uses verb forms for aspect.

Chinese high

{下来|xiàlái}

It is the standard for this grammar.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
How to Say "Looks Like" or "Sounds Like" with 起来
Next
Keep Going: The Magic of {下去|xiàqù}

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