Keep Going: The Magic of {下去|xiàqù}
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Add {下去|xiàqù} after a verb to express that an action should continue or persist into the future.
- Use {下去|xiàqù} to say 'keep doing' something: {说下去|shuō xiàqù} (keep talking).
- In the negative, use {不下去|bù xiàqù} to mean 'cannot continue': {吃不下去了|chī bù xiàqù le} (can't eat anymore).
- Questions use the A-not-A form: {能不能做下去？|néng bù néng zuò xiàqù?} (Can you keep doing it?).
Overview
When you begin learning Chinese, you quickly encounter verbs that don't just state an action but also describe its direction or result. These are known as directional complements or resultative complements. Among the most fundamental is 下去 (xiàqù).
While literally translating to 'go down,' its grammatical function transcends simple spatial movement. As a complement, 下去 (xiàqù) is primarily used to express the idea of continuation or persistence of an action, state, or process from the present moment into the future. It signifies that something has started and is expected or intended to carry on.
Think of 下去 (xiàqù) as the linguistic marker that transforms a momentary event into an ongoing journey. It tells you that an activity isn't just happening now, but it's keeping on happening. This complement is indispensable for conveying nuance in everyday conversation, from encouraging someone to persist in their efforts to describing an ongoing trend.
Mastering 下去 (xiàqù) at an A1 level allows you to articulate fundamental concepts of duration and progression, forming a crucial building block in your understanding of Chinese grammar.
How This Grammar Works
下 (xià) means 'down' or 'below,' and 去 (qù) means 'to go.' Together, 下去 (xiàqù) denotes movement away from the speaker and downwards. This 'downward' motion metaphorically extends to time, where the future is often conceived as 'downstream' or 'further along the path.' Thus, an action that 'goes down' with 下去 (xiàqù) is one that proceeds forward in time.下去 (xiàqù) attaches to a verb, it indicates that the action or state expressed by the verb is already underway and will continue from the current point onward. It is not about initiating an action, but rather about sustaining one that has already begun. This differs significantly from simple continuous markers like 在 (zài) + Verb, which only describe an action in progress at a specific moment.下去 (xiàqù) carries the stronger implication of persistence, endurance, or future projection of that action or state.下去 (xiàqù):- Temporal Extension: It explicitly pushes the action or state into the future.
读书 (dú shū)means 'to read a book,' but读下去 (dú xiàqù)means 'to keep reading the book' or 'to read on.' You are continuing the act of reading. - Process-Oriented: It highlights the ongoing nature of an action or the gradual unfolding of a state. For instance,
天气冷下去 (tiānqì lěng xiàqù)implies a process of the weather progressively becoming colder, not just being cold at one point. - Implied Durability: The use of
下去 (xiàqù)suggests that the continuation is either desired, necessary, or expected to last for a period. It often implies a commitment or an inevitability of the process. If someone says你必须写下去 (nǐ bìxū xiě xiàqù), it means 'You must keep writing,' emphasizing the necessity of sustained effort.
下去 (xiàqù) acts as a resultative complement in that the result of the verb is its continuation. The verb describes what is happening, and 下去 (xiàqù) describes the resultant state of continuation. This understanding is crucial for grasping why certain verbs can or cannot take 下去 (xiàqù).说 (shuō) – speak, 跑 (pǎo) – run) and states that can change gradually (冷 (lěng) – cold, 好 (hǎo) – good).Formation Pattern
下去 (xiàqù) is straightforward, as its placement is consistent. It always follows the main verb or adjective it modifies. The core structure is Verb/Adjective + 下去 (xiàqù). However, its usage expands significantly when considering potential forms and object placement.
Verb + 下去 (xiàqù)
他说下去了。 (Tā shuō xiàqù le.) – He kept talking.
你吃下去。 (Nǐ chī xiàqù.) – You eat on (keep eating).
我跑下去了。 (Wǒ pǎo xiàqù le.) – I kept running.
下去 (xiàqù) follows an adjective, it indicates that the state described by the adjective is continuing or progressing, often implying a change over time.
天气冷下去了。 (Tiānqì lěng xiàqù le.) – The weather kept getting colder.
病会好下去的。 (Bìng huì hǎo xiàqù de.) – The illness will keep getting better.
他胖下去了。 (Tā pàng xiàqù le.) – He kept getting fatter (he gained weight continuously).
Verb + 得 + 下去 (xiàqù)
得 (de) particle acts as a potential marker, signifying possibility or capability. This is crucial for expressing ability to endure or persist.
这个工作，你做下去。 (Zhè ge gōngzuò, nǐ zuò xiàqù.) – This work, you keep doing.
这个工作，我做得下去。 (Zhè ge gōngzuò, wǒ zuò de xiàqù.) – This work, I can keep doing (I'm able to continue).
太吵了，我听得下去。 (Tài chǎo le, wǒ tīng de xiàqù.) – It's too noisy, but I can listen on (I'm able to bear it and continue listening).
Verb + 不 + 下去 (xiàqù)
不 (bù) particle negates the potential for continuation.
太累了，我走不下去。 (Tài lèi le, wǒ zǒu bú xiàqù.) – I'm too tired, I cannot keep walking.
这个故事太无聊了，我读不下去。 (Zhè ge gùshi tài wúliáo le, wǒ dú bú xiàqù.) – This story is too boring, I cannot keep reading it.
房间太冷了，我待不下去。 (Fángjiān tài lěng le, wǒ dāi bú xiàqù.) – The room is too cold, I cannot stay (continue to stay) here.
下去 (xiàqù)
下去 (xiàqù). Instead, there are a few common ways to handle it:
这本书，你读下去。 (Zhè běn shū, nǐ dú xiàqù.) – This book, you keep reading (it).
他会写下去这个故事。 (Tā huì xiě xiàqù zhè ge gùshi.) – He will keep writing this story.
把 (bǎ) structure: For transitive verbs, the 把 (bǎ) construction often clarifies the object's relationship to the action, allowing the V + 下去 to function as a unit.
你把这个任务做下去。 (Nǐ bǎ zhè ge rènwù zuò xiàqù.) – You keep doing this task.
Verb + 下去 (xiàqù) | To continue Verb-ing | 说下去 (shuō xiàqù) – to keep talking |
Adjective + 下去 (xiàqù) | To keep getting Adjective (state continues) | 热下去 (rè xiàqù) – to keep getting hotter |
Verb + 得 + 下去 (xiàqù) | To be able to continue Verb-ing | 吃得下去 (chī de xiàqù) – to be able to keep eating |
Verb + 不 + 下去 (xiàqù) | To be unable to continue Verb-ing | 学不下去 (xué bú xiàqù) – to be unable to keep studying |
Object, S + Verb + 下去 (xiàqù)| Object is topic, then action continues | 电影，我们看下去。 (Diànyǐng, wǒmen kàn xiàqù.) – The movie, let's keep watching. |
When To Use It
下去 (xiàqù) is used in various contexts to express the continuation of an action or state. Its application often hinges on whether the action is prolonged, a process, or something that can be sustained over time. Here are the primary scenarios where 下去 (xiàqù) is appropriate and commonly used:- 1Encouragement, Commands, or Requests for Continuation:
下去 (xiàqù) when you want someone to persist in an action they are currently doing or have just started.老师说：“大家请继续写下去！”(Lǎoshī shuō: “Dàjiā qǐng jìxù xiě xiàqù!”) – The teacher said: “Everyone please keep writing!”别放弃，跑下去！(Bié fàngqì, pǎo xiàqù!) – Don't give up, keep running!你得把这个故事讲下去。(Nǐ děi bǎ zhè ge gùshi jiǎng xiàqù.) – You must continue telling this story.
- 1Describing an Ongoing or Developing State/Process:
下去 (xiàqù) emphasizes its continuous development. This often implies a change from a previous state to a continuing one.天气越来越冷下去了。(Tiānqì yuè lái yuè lěng xiàqù le.) – The weather kept getting colder and colder.他的病还不能说好下去了。(Tā de bìng hái bù néng shuō hǎo xiàqù le.) – His illness still cannot be said to be getting better (continuously).这份工作很无聊，但是我会做下去。(Zhè fèn gōngzuò hěn wúliáo, dànshì wǒ huì zuò xiàqù.) – This job is very boring, but I will keep doing it.
- 1Expressing Inability or Unwillingness to Continue (with
不 (bù)):
Verb + 不 + 下去 (xiàqù) is exceptionally frequent. It conveys that one cannot or will not endure, tolerate, or sustain an action due to various reasons (tiredness, boredom, difficulty, pain, etc.).太吵了，我听不下去。(Tài chǎo le, wǒ tīng bú xiàqù.) – It's too noisy, I can't listen (anymore/continue listening).这部电影太恐怖了，我看不下去。(Zhè bù diànyǐng tài kǒngbù le, wǒ kàn bú xiàqù.) – This movie is too scary, I can't watch it (anymore/continue watching).虽然肚子饿，但是这个饭我吃不下去。(Suīrán dùzi è, dànshì zhè ge fàn wǒ chī bú xiàqù.) – Although hungry, I can't eat this food (I can't bring myself to continue eating it).
- 1Actions with Implicit Duration:
下去 (xiàqù) reinforces this duration, making the continuation explicit.生活会一直继续下去。(Shēnghuó huì yìzhí jìxù xiàqù.) – Life will always continue on.他们打算把这个项目研究下去。(Tāmen dǎsuàn bǎ zhè ge xiàngmù yánjiū xiàqù.) – They plan to keep researching this project.你可以在这里住下去。(Nǐ kěyǐ zài zhèlǐ zhù xiàqù.) – You can keep living here.
下去 (xiàqù) is your go-to complement when the idea of progression, perseverance, or sustained activity is central to your message. It transforms an instantaneous or completed action into one that has momentum and direction towards the future.Common Mistakes
下去 (xiàqù) is fundamental, learners often encounter specific pitfalls. Understanding these common errors and their underlying reasons can significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.- 1Incorrect Object Placement:
Verb + 下去 (xiàqù) unit. Chinese treats V + complement as a tight unit. Placing the object between them is ungrammatical or very awkward.- Incorrect:
我读一本书下去。(Wǒ dú yī běn shū xiàqù.) - Correct:
这本书，我读下去。(Zhè běn shū, wǒ dú xiàqù.) – This book, I'll keep reading (it). - Correct:
我把这本书读下去。(Wǒ bǎ zhè běn shū dú xiàqù.) – I'll keep reading this book. - Correct (less common, but possible):
我会读下去这本书。(Wǒ huì dú xiàqù zhè běn shū.) – I will keep reading this book. - Why it's a mistake: Chinese sentence structure often prioritizes the verb-complement relationship. The object tends to be introduced before the main verb or after the entire verb-complement phrase.
- 1Confusion with
下来 (xiàlái):
下去 (xiàqù) and 下来 (xiàlái) involve 下 (xià), meaning 'down,' and both function as complements. However, their meanings in terms of continuation are diametrically opposite, reflecting the difference between 去 (qù) (to go away from speaker) and 来 (lái) (to come towards speaker).下去 (xiàqù): Continuation into the Future (from present point onward)写下去(xiě xiàqù): to keep writing (continue the action).这个菜你吃下去。(Zhè ge cài nǐ chī xiàqù.) – This dish, you keep eating (it).
下来 (xiàlái): Fixation, Completion, Detachment, or Bringing to a Halt (often from past to present, or bringing something into a stable state)写下来(xiě xiàlái): to write down (to record, to complete writing and have it present).把菜吃下来。(Bǎ cài chī xiàlái.) – To eat the dish (and finish it/consume it, resulting in completion or making it 'part of you'). This is not about continuous eating but bringing the act of eating to a conclusion or a state of being consumed.
Verb + 下去 (xiàqù) | Verb + 下来 (xiàlái) |住下去 (zhù xiàqù) – to keep living | 住下来 (zhù xiàlái) – to settle down, to stay |说下去 (shuō xiàqù) – to keep talking | 说下来 (shuō xiàlái) – to say something (and record it/finish saying it) |去 (qù) versus 来 (lái) when used as complements. 下去 (xiàqù) maintains the action's flow, 下来 (xiàlái) often brings it to a stop or makes it concrete.- 1Using with Instantaneous or Momentary Verbs:
下去 (xiàqù) implies a process or duration. Therefore, verbs that describe instantaneous actions, or actions that cannot logically be continued, generally do not take 下去 (xiàqù). For example, 死 (sǐ) (to die) is an instantaneous event.- Incorrect:
他死下去了。(Tā sǐ xiàqù le.) – This is not logical in Chinese, as death is not a continuous process in this grammatical sense. - Why it's a mistake: The complement requires an action or state that can inherently be prolonged or sustained over time. If an action happens in an instant, it cannot 'continue.'
- 1Overlapping with
继续 (jìxù):
继续 (jìxù) also means 'to continue,' it is a verb or adverb, not a complement. Learners sometimes incorrectly believe 继续 (jìxù) and 下去 (xiàqù) are interchangeable in all contexts or combine them redundantly.- Correct:
继续说。(Jìxù shuō.) – Continue talking. (Here继续is an adverb). - Correct:
说下去。(Shuō xiàqù.) – Keep talking. - Often used together for emphasis:
继续说下去。(Jìxù shuō xiàqù.) – Keep on continuing to talk. This is common and natural, adding emphasis to the continuation. - Why it's a mistake: Confusing word classes.
继续 (jìxù)can introduce an action to be continued, while下去 (xiàqù)describes the continuation of the action itself. They can complement each other, but are not direct substitutes.
下去 (xiàqù) more accurately and naturally.Real Conversations
下去 (xiàqù) is not limited to textbooks; it's a vibrant part of everyday Chinese, appearing in casual chats, online messages, and formal discussions alike. Observing its use in authentic contexts helps solidify your understanding.
1. Encouragement/Persistence (Casual Texting):
- Context: A friend is studying for a tough exam and feels like giving up.
- Friend A: 我真的学不进去了，太难了！ (Wǒ zhēnde xué bú jìnqù le, tài nán le!) – I really can't get into studying anymore, it's too hard!
- Friend B: 别这样！再坚持下去，你一定能考好！ (Bié zhèyàng! Zài jiānchí xiàqù, nǐ yīdìng néng kǎo hǎo!) – Don't be like that! Keep persisting, you'll definitely do well on the exam!
- Analysis: 坚持下去 (jiānchí xiàqù) highlights the act of persisting, pushing the effort into the future until the exam.
2. Describing an Ongoing State (Social Media Post/Observation):
- Context: Someone posts about the rising prices in their city.
- Post: 这物价是真要涨下去了，感觉每个月生活成本都在变高。 (Zhè wùjià shì zhēn yào zhǎng xiàqù le, gǎnjué měi ge yuè shēnghuó chéngběn dōu zài biàn gāo.) – These prices are really going to keep rising, feels like living costs are going up every month.
- Analysis: 涨下去 (zhǎng xiàqù) describes a continuous trend of prices increasing, suggesting a process that is already in motion and expected to continue.
3. Expressing Inability to Continue (Work/Study context):
- Context: During a long meeting or intense work session.
- Colleague: 这个会议已经开了三个小时了，我真的听不下去。 (Zhè ge huìyì yǐjīng kāi le sān ge xiǎoshí le, wǒ zhēnde tīng bú xiàqù.) – This meeting has already been going on for three hours, I really can't listen (anymore).
- Analysis: 听不下去 (tīng bú xiàqù) conveys an inability to continue listening, implying mental exhaustion or disinterest, a very common sentiment in extended meetings.
4. Narrative/Storytelling (Casual Conversation):
- Context: Someone is telling an engaging story.
- Listener: 然后呢？快点说下去啊！ (Ránhòu ne? Kuàidiǎn shuō xiàqù a!) – And then? Hurry up and keep talking!
- Analysis: 说下去 (shuō xiàqù) is a direct request to continue the narration, to carry the story forward.
5. Physical Endurance (Exercising/Sports):
- Context: A runner is struggling during a long-distance race.
- Coach: 还有两公里，你能跑下去！ (Hái yǒu liǎng gōnglǐ, nǐ néng pǎo xiàqù!) – There are still two kilometers, you can keep running!
- Analysis: 跑下去 (pǎo xiàqù) refers to the physical act of running and the ability to sustain that action until completion. The 能 (néng) before 跑下去 also adds emphasis on capability to continue.
These examples demonstrate how 下去 (xiàqù) is naturally woven into daily communication to express persistence, evolving states, or the limits of one's ability to continue.
Quick FAQ
下去 (xiàqù), addressing practical concerns and clarifying nuanced points.下去 (xiàqù) be used with any verb?No. 下去 (xiàqù) primarily works with durative verbs or verbs that can be prolonged, describing an action or state that takes time. It's generally not used with momentary (punctual) verbs that describe an instantaneous event (e.g., 到 (dào) – arrive, 死 (sǐ) – die, 开 (kāi) – open, 关 (guān) – close, if referring to a single event). You can't logically
Formation of {下去|xiàqù}
| Form | Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + 下去
|
跑下去
|
Keep running
|
|
Negative
|
Verb + 不 + 下去
|
跑不下去
|
Cannot keep running
|
|
Question
|
Verb + 得/不 + 下去 + 吗?
|
跑得下去吗?
|
Can you keep running?
|
|
Past/State
|
Verb + 下去 + 了
|
跑不下去了
|
Can't run anymore
|
|
Suggestion
|
Verb + 下去 + 吧
|
跑下去吧
|
Let's keep running
|
|
Potential
|
Verb + 得/不 + 下去
|
跑得下去
|
Able to keep running
|
Meanings
This structure indicates the continuation of an action that has already started, emphasizing persistence or the need to carry on.
Persistence
Continuing an action that is already in progress.
“{跑下去|pǎo xiàqù} (keep running)”
“{学下去|xué xiàqù} (keep studying)”
Inability to Continue
The negative potential form indicating one cannot sustain an action.
“{走不下去了|zǒu bù xiàqù le} (can't walk any further)”
“{听不下去了|tīng bù xiàqù le} (can't bear to listen anymore)”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V + 下去
|
学下去
|
|
Negative
|
V + 不 + 下去
|
学不下去
|
|
Question
|
V + 得/不 + 下去?
|
学得下去吗?
|
|
State Change
|
V + 下去 + 了
|
学不下去了
|
|
Suggestion
|
V + 下去 + 吧
|
学下去吧
|
|
Potential
|
V + 得 + 下去
|
学得下去
|
Formality Spectrum
请继续发言。 (Meeting)
请说下去。 (Meeting)
接着说啊！ (Meeting)
别停，继续！ (Meeting)
The {下去|xiàqù} Universe
Persistence
- 跑下去 keep running
- 学下去 keep studying
Inability
- 吃不下去 cannot eat anymore
- 走不下去 cannot walk anymore
Examples by Level
请{说下去|shuō xiàqù}。
Please keep talking.
我不想{跑下去|pǎo xiàqù}。
I don't want to keep running.
他{学下去|xué xiàqù}了。
He kept studying.
我们{走下去|zǒu xiàqù}吧。
Let's keep walking.
你能不能{做下去|zuò xiàqù}？
Can you keep doing it?
我实在{吃不下去了|chī bù xiàqù le}。
I really can't eat anymore.
只要{坚持下去|jiānchí xiàqù}，就会成功。
As long as you persist, you will succeed.
这首歌太难听，我{听不下去了|tīng bù xiàqù le}。
This song is terrible, I can't listen anymore.
虽然很累，但他还是{坚持下去|jiānchí xiàqù}了。
Although very tired, he still persisted.
这种生活方式，我真的{过不下去了|guò bù xiàqù le}。
I really can't go on living this lifestyle.
请让这个项目{进行下去|jìnxíng xiàqù}。
Please let this project continue.
如果{再讲下去|zài jiǎng xiàqù}，大家都会睡着。
If he keeps talking, everyone will fall asleep.
我们必须把这个传统{传承下去|chuánchéng xiàqù}。
We must pass this tradition on.
面对困难，我们不能{退缩下去|tuìsuō xiàqù}。
Facing difficulties, we cannot keep retreating.
这个趋势如果{发展下去|fāzhǎn xiàqù}，后果不堪设想。
If this trend continues to develop, the consequences will be unimaginable.
他{沉默下去|chénmò xiàqù}，不再说话。
He remained silent and said no more.
历史的车轮{滚滚向前|gǔngǔn xiàngqián}，谁也无法阻挡它{前进下去|qiánjìn xiàqù}。
The wheels of history roll forward; no one can stop it from advancing.
这种腐败行为不能再{蔓延下去|mànyán xiàqù}。
This corrupt behavior cannot be allowed to spread any further.
她{沉浸下去|chénjìn xiàqù}，仿佛忘记了周围的一切。
She sank into it, as if forgetting everything around her.
无论环境如何恶劣，生命总会{顽强地活下去|wánqiáng de huó xiàqù}。
No matter how harsh the environment, life will always tenaciously survive.
他那深邃的目光{凝视下去|níngshì xiàqù}，仿佛要看穿这世间的虚妄。
His deep gaze stared on, as if to see through the vanity of this world.
这种逻辑谬误如果{推演下去|tuīyǎn xiàqù}，只会得出荒谬的结论。
If this logical fallacy is extrapolated further, it will only lead to absurd conclusions.
随着时间的流逝，那些往事逐渐{淡化下去|dǎnhuà xiàqù}。
As time passed, those past events gradually faded away.
他将那份执念{深藏下去|shēncáng xiàqù}，不再向人提起。
He buried that obsession deep within, never to mention it to anyone again.
Easily Confused
Both are directional complements, but they imply different directions.
Both mean 'continue', but one is a verb and one is a complement.
Both are directional, but 过去 implies passing or moving across.
Common Mistakes
下去跑
跑下去
我走不下去
我走不下去了
继续跑下去
继续跑
跑下去吗？
跑得下去吗？
他学下去很快
他学得下去
我吃下去
我吃得下去
别下去跑
别跑下去
这个政策进行下去
这个政策要进行下去
他沉默下去
他一直沉默下去
我忍不下去
我忍不下去了
他推演下去结论
他把结论推演下去
生命活下去
生命顽强地活下去
淡化下去
逐渐淡化下去
Sentence Patterns
我实在___不下去了。
只要___下去，就会成功。
这个项目必须___下去。
他把那份执念___下去。
Real World Usage
跑下去，你快到了！
我们学下去吧。
这个计划要进行下去。
我走不下去了。
坚持下去，加油！
太撑了，吃不下去了。
The Battery Analogy
Don't Overuse
The 'Le' Rule
Encouragement
Smart Tips
Use '加油' + 'Verb + 下去'.
Use 'Verb + 不 + 下去 + 了'.
Use the A-not-A form.
Use '进行下去' for projects.
Pronunciation
Neutral Tone
In {下去|xiàqù}, the second character 'qù' is often pronounced in the neutral tone in fast speech.
Encouraging
跑下去！↑
Rising intonation at the end shows enthusiasm.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a battery pack labeled '下去' that you plug into your verb to keep it running.
Visual Association
Imagine a person running on a treadmill. They are tired, but they attach a glowing '下去' sticker to their shoes, and they suddenly find the energy to keep going.
Rhyme
Verb plus xiàqù, keep going for you!
Story
Xiao Wang was running a marathon. At mile 20, he wanted to quit. He looked at his watch and whispered '跑下去' (keep running). He finished the race because he used the magic of xiàqù.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, every time you start a task, say the verb + 下去 out loud (e.g., '工作下去' - keep working).
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in workplace settings to encourage team persistence.
Often used in casual conversation with a slightly softer tone.
Often mixed with English particles, but the grammar remains standard.
Derived from the literal directional meaning of 'going down' (descending).
Conversation Starters
你觉得这个工作能做下去吗？
如果很累，你会坚持下去吗？
你有什么事情是听不下去的？
你认为什么样的传统应该传承下去？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
他跑___了。
Find and fix the mistake:
下去跑！
我吃不下去了。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Keep talking.
Answer starts with: 说下去...
A: 你累吗？ B: 我___。
项目 / 进行 / 下去
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises他跑___了。
Find and fix the mistake:
下去跑！
我吃不下去了。
下去 / 坚持 / 吧
Keep talking.
A: 你累吗？ B: 我___。
项目 / 进行 / 下去
跑下去 vs 跑不下去
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesMatch the pairs:
This movie is terrible. I ___ (look + not + continue).
Drag the words into order.
When would you use this phrase?
Translate: 'Keep reading'
Fix the object placement.
Qǐng ___.
Select the survival phrase:
Match pairs:
Order the words.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Most action verbs work, but it doesn't make sense with stative verbs like 'know' or 'be'.
{下去|xiàqù} is for the future/persistence; {下来|xiàlái} is for the past/present.
It marks the change of state from 'able' to 'unable'.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
Yes, using the A-not-A form: 'Verb + 得/不 + 下去吗?'
It's fine, but {下去|xiàqù} sounds more natural for physical actions.
It adds the aspect of persistence.
Yes, but it describes the action's persistence at that time.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Seguir + gerundio
Spanish puts the 'continue' marker before the main verb.
Continuer à + infinitive
French requires a preposition 'à'.
Weiter + verb
German is a prefix; Chinese is a suffix.
Verb-stem + 続ける
Japanese uses a full verb; Chinese uses a directional complement.
استمر في + masdar
Arabic is highly synthetic and verb-initial.
Verb + 下去
It is the source of the rule.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Ready & Done: Using 'hǎo' (好) as a Result
Overview In Chinese, the character `好` (`hǎo`) extends beyond its primary meaning of "good" or "okay" to function as a...
The 'Finished' Word: Verb + 完 (wán)
Overview Learning a new language means understanding how speakers convey fundamental ideas. In Chinese, expressing **com...
Success Markers: Using 到 (dào) for Results
Overview In Chinese grammar, **result complements** are indispensable for communicating not merely an action, but its de...
Result Complement '住' (zhù): Fixing things in place
Overview The result complement `住 (zhù)` is a fundamental component of Chinese grammar, particularly at the B1 interme...
Cannot Do It: Chinese Negative Potential Complements (V + 不 + Result)
Overview As a learner navigating the Chinese language, you'll quickly discover that directly translating English grammat...
