Going Out and Away (出去)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {出去|chūqù} to describe movement from inside to outside, away from the speaker's current location.
- Place {出去|chūqù} immediately after the main verb: {走出去|zǒu chūqù} (walk out).
- For objects, place them after {出去|chūqù} or between {出} and {去}: {走出教室|zǒu chū jiàoshì}.
- In the negative form, use {不} before the verb: {不出去|bù chūqù} (not going out).
Overview
出去 (chūqù) functions as a crucial compound directional complement in Chinese, providing precise spatial information about movement. It combines two fundamental elements: the verb 出 (chū), meaning "to exit" or "to go out," and 去 (qù), meaning "to go" or "away." Together, 出去 signifies movement from an enclosed, internal, or private space towards an external, open, or public one, with the critical specification that this action proceeds away from your current location or perspective. This grammatical construction is central to how Chinese expresses spatial relationships, requiring you to consider your position as the speaker or observer relative to the action.
The deliberate choice between 出去 and its counterpart, 出来 (chūlái – to come out, towards the speaker), hinges entirely on whether the movement is perceived as moving away from you (去) or towards you (来). For instance, if you are inside a room and an individual 走出去 (zǒu chūqù), they walk out, moving away from your position. Conversely, if you are outside and someone 走出来 (zǒu chūlái) from the room to join you, they walk out, moving towards you.
This distinction is not merely stylistic; it is a fundamental grammatical requirement reflecting the Chinese language's spatial conceptualization. The directional complement system, of which 出去 is a part, highlights how Chinese often integrates directional information directly into the verb phrase, offering a level of spatial specificity often conveyed by prepositions or adverbs in other languages.
How This Grammar Works
出去 operates as a resultative directional complement. It attaches directly after a main verb, conveying both the result of the action (the movement from an internal to an external state) and the direction relative to the speaker (away). The main verb preceding 出去 describes the manner of the movement, such as 走 (zǒu - to walk), 跑 (pǎo - to run), 拿 (ná - to take/hold), or 扔 (rēng - to throw).他跑出去了 (tā pǎo chūqù le). Here, 跑 indicates the action of "running," and 出去 specifies the direction "out, away from the speaker." The particle 了 (le) marks the completion of this action.出去, merely stating 他跑了 (tā pǎo le) would mean "he ran," but without the crucial detail of his direction relative to your position. This illustrates the enhanced precision 出去 brings to expressing spatial movement. The versatility of 出去 allows it to combine with various verbs to form specific meanings.发出 (fāchū) means "to send out," and when combined with 去, as in 发出去 (fā chūqù), it distinctly means "to send out (away from the sender)." This resultative function means the action of the verb is successfully completed in the indicated direction. The complement 出去 directly impacts the semantic outcome of the verb, showing that the subject or object has indeed moved from an 'inside' to an 'outside' state or location, observed from your frame of reference.出去, its placement becomes a critical grammatical point. Unlike English, where a directional adverb like "out" might consistently follow the verb, Chinese requires careful consideration of the object's nature (e.g., a physical place vs. a general item or abstract concept) and the desired emphasis.出去 complement. This structure highlights the location itself as the immediate point of departure, underscoring its role as the source of the outward movement.Formation Pattern
出去 and any accompanying objects is paramount for accurate and natural expression. These patterns allow you to articulate movement away from your perspective, from an internal to an external space. Study the following structures carefully.
出去 | The most basic form; used when there is no specific object, or the object is implicit. The focus is purely on the action moving outward, away from you. | 我们出去吧。 (Wǒmen chūqù ba.) | Let's go out (away from here). | The verb can be 走 (zǒu), 跑 (pǎo), 飞 (fēi), etc. |
别跑出去！ (Bié pǎo chūqù!) | Don't run out (away)! | Used for general outward movement. |
出 + Place + 去 | Mandatory when the object is a physical location, container, or specific boundary being exited. The Place noun splits the complement. | 他走出教室去。 (Tā zǒu chū jiàoshì qù.) | He walked out of the classroom (away). | 去 is often kept for clarity, though sometimes omitted colloquially. |
我们开车出了城去。 (Wǒmen kāichē chū le chéng qù.) | We drove out of the city (away). | The 了 (le) particle indicates completed action. |
出去 + General Object | Used when the object is a thing, person, or abstract concept being moved, revealed, or sent out. The object typically follows the entire 出去 complement. | 他说出去一个秘密。 (Tā shuō chūqù yí ge mìmì.) | He blurted out a secret. | Common for abstract objects like 秘密 (mìmì - secret) or 消息 (xiāoxī - news). |
把不用的东西都扔出去。 (Bǎ bù yòng de dōngxī dōu rēng chūqù.) | Throw all the unused things out. | Can be used with physical objects when they are the focus of removal/disposal. |
把 + Object + Verb + 出去 | This 把 (bǎ) construction is highly common and emphasizes the disposition, removal, or sending of a specific object. It highlights your active manipulation of the object, resulting in its movement out and away. | 请把垃圾扔出去。 (Qǐng bǎ lājī rēng chūqù.) | Please throw the trash out (away). | Focuses on the object as the target of the action, often for physical items. |
他把书拿出去了。 (Tā bǎ shū ná chūqù le.) | He took the book out (away). | Frequently used in commands or when the object is explicitly acted upon. |
出去: This is the most direct pattern. It applies when the movement is simply "going out" or "moving out," and there isn't a specific direct object named as the thing being exited or moved. The action's outward direction, away from the speaker, is the primary focus. For example, 我有点闷，想出去走走。 (Wǒ yǒudiǎn mēn, xiǎng chūqù zǒuzǒu.) - I'm a bit bored; I want to go out for a walk. Here, the specific place is not mentioned, just the general idea of exiting the current confinement. This structure is often used when the destination or the object of movement is either generic or understood from context.
出 + Place + 去: This structure is grammatically required when the object is a physical location, container, or boundary that you are exiting. The noun for the Place (e.g., 办公室 - bàngōngshì, 城 - chéng, 门 - mén) acts as a direct object to the 出 component of the complement, precisely defining what is being departed from. The 去 then re-affirms the "away" direction relative to the speaker. While the 去 component can occasionally be omitted in very casual speech (e.g., 走出办公室), its inclusion is crucial for grammatical completeness and clarity, especially in written or more formal contexts. Example: 从后门走出去了。 (Cóng hòumén zǒu chūqù le.) - (He) walked out of the back door. This construction explicitly details the precise exit point.
出去 + General Object: This pattern is commonly employed when the object is abstract, such as 信息 (xìnxī - information) or 秘密 (mìmì - secret), or refers to a general physical item that is being revealed, dispatched, or removed without a specific emphasis on your action upon it. The object typically follows the complete directional complement 出去. For instance, 别把这个消息传出去。 (Bié bǎ zhège xiāoxī chuán chūqù.) - Don't let this news get out. Here, the "news" (消息) is the object that moves out from a private state to a public one, away from the speaker's control.
把 + Object + Verb + 出去: The 把 (bǎ) construction is particularly powerful in Chinese. When used with 出去, it places strong emphasis on the object as the direct target of your action, leading to its removal, disposal, or sending out. This structure highlights your agency in causing the object to move out and away from the current location. It is prevalent in commands, requests, and when the object is explicitly manipulated. Example: 把那些旧报纸扔出去。 (Bǎ nàxiē jiù bàozhǐ rēng chūqù.) - Throw those old newspapers out. This pattern is essential for accurately expressing actions like "throwing something out," "taking something out," or "sending something out," where the object is actively handled. Mastering this construction is key for sounding natural, as it reflects a common way native speakers frame actions affecting specific objects.
When To Use It
出去 is more than just about physical movement; its usage extends to abstract concepts of removal, disclosure, and expenditure. You use 出去 whenever an action causes something to transition from an internal, enclosed, or private state/location to an external, open, or public one, consistently maintaining the perspective of movement away from your position.- Physical Exit from an Enclosed Space: This is the most straightforward and intuitive application. Whenever a person, animal, or object moves from inside a defined boundary (e.g., a room, a building, a vehicle, a box) to the outside, and this movement is perceived as going away from you. This is often accompanied by verbs of locomotion.
我刚从图书馆走出去。(Wǒ gāng cóng túshūguǎn zǒu chūqù.) - I just walked out of the library (and am now away from the library building/the spot where I was). You are likely no longer inside the library or are observing from a point outside it, and the action is completed away from that inside point.我们把车开出去了。(Wǒmen bǎ chē kāi chūqù le.) - We drove the car out (e.g., from the garage, away from here). The car is no longer where it was, and it moved away from your current location.
- Removing, Taking, or Sending Items Out: When you cause an object to leave your possession, a container, or a private space, moving it to an external or distant location. This usage often implies disposal, mailing, or relocating items, and it always involves the item moving away from the point of origin or the speaker.
请把箱子搬出去。(Qǐng bǎ xiāngzi bān chūqù.) - Please move the box out (e.g., from this room, away from me). This implies removing it from the current confined space.我把信寄出去了。(Wǒ bǎ xìn jì chūqù le.) - I mailed the letter (it is now out of my possession and on its way).
- Disclosure or Spreading of Information/Secrets: In an abstract sense, information, news, or secrets can "exit" a private or confidential domain (e.g., someone's mind, a secure meeting, a closed group) and move into the public sphere. This usage emphasizes the act of revealing, disseminating, or leaking something, with the information moving away from its original confidential source.
这个消息已经传出去了。(Zhège xiāoxī yǐjīng chuán chūqù le.) - This news has already spread/gotten out (from its source, into the public domain).她把真相说了出去。(Tā bǎ zhēnxiàng shuō le chūqù.) - She revealed the truth (the truth went out from her to others).
- Expenditure or Loss (Money, Time, Energy): This abstract application conceptualizes resources (money, time, energy) as moving "out" of your control, possession, or reserves, often implying depletion or an irreversible spending. The resource moves away from your stewardship.
这笔钱花出去了就回不来了。(Zhè bǐ qián huā chūqù le jiù huí bù lái le.) - Once this money is spent, it won't come back (it has moved away from your budget).别把精力都耗出去了。(Bié bǎ jīnglì dōu hào chūqù le.) - Don't use up all your energy (let your energy go out).
- Emergence of Abstract Ideas or Capabilities: Less commonly,
出去can signify an abstract entity becoming evident, manifest, or actualized, moving from a state of potential to reality. This is sometimes seen with想出去(xiǎng chūqù - to figure out a solution, to think one's way out of a problem) or推出去(tuī chūqù - to launch, to promote). 新产品终于推出去市场了。(Xīn chǎnpǐn zhōngyú tuī chūqù shìchǎng le.) - The new product has finally been launched onto the market (it has moved out from development to public availability).问题总能想出去解决办法的。(Wèntí zǒng néng xiǎng chūqù jiějué bànfǎ de.) - One can always think up a solution to problems (a solution can emerge from one's thoughts).
出去 demonstrates a consistent cognitive pattern in Chinese, where many abstract actions are mapped onto concrete spatial movements. It showcases how the language builds complex meanings from simple, yet vivid, directional indicators. Understanding this underlying logic will significantly enhance your grasp of 出去's various uses.Common Mistakes
出去, primarily due to its reliance on speaker's perspective and strict object placement rules. Avoiding these common pitfalls is crucial for both comprehension and natural communication in Chinese.- Confusing
出去with出来(chūlái) – The Perspective Problem: This is the most common and significant error. Remember the cardinal rule:出去always implies movement away from the speaker or observer's perspective, while出来implies movement towards the speaker or observer. Your physical location or mental viewpoint dictates the choice. - Incorrect Scenario: You are standing outside a store, and your friend exits to meet you. You say:
我的朋友从商店走出去了。(Wǒ de péngyou cóng shāngdiàn zǒu chūqù le.*) - Correct Scenario: You are standing outside a store, and your friend exits to meet you. You should say:
我的朋友从商店走出来了。(Wǒ de péngyou cóng shāngdiàn zǒu chūlái le.) - My friend walked out of the store (towards me). - Explanation: In the incorrect example,
出去了implies your friend moved away from you, which contradicts the context of them approaching you. The core distinction lies in the去(away) versus来(toward) component.
- Incorrect Object Placement for Places: As detailed in the formation patterns, when the object is a physical location or container being exited, it must split
出去to form the structureVerb + 出 + Place + 去. Placing the place object after the complete出去is grammatically incorrect and will sound unnatural to native speakers. - Incorrect:
他走出去房间。(Tā zǒu chūqù fángjiān.*) - Correct:
他走出房间去。(Tā zǒu chū fángjiàn qù.) - He walked out of the room. - Explanation: The
房间(fángjiān - room) is the place being exited, so it must be placed between出and去. This splitting pattern is a fixed rule for place objects.
- Misapplying
出去to Verbs Without Directional Implication:出去inherently describes physical or abstract movement outwards. It cannot be attached to verbs that do not convey such a sense. For example,看(kàn - to look) describes perception, not an action of outward movement. While you can看something在外面(zài wàimiàn - outside), you don't看出去in the sense of physically moving out while looking. - Incorrect:
他看出去窗外。(Tā kàn chūqù chuāngwài.*) to mean "He looked out the window." - Correct:
他往窗外看。(Tā wǎng chuāngwài kàn.) - He looked out the window. - Explanation:
往(wǎng) indicates direction, and外(wài) means "outside." For the physical act of looking outward through an opening,往外看is the standard idiomatic expression.看出去can sometimes mean "to discern/see clearly (something that has come out)" but not "to look out."
- Overusing
出去for General "Outside":外面(wàimiàn) means "outside" as a static location, while出去is a verb complement describing the action of moving out. You cannot simply use出去as a noun to refer to the exterior or substitute it for外面. - Incorrect:
我在出去等你。(Wǒ zài chūqù děng nǐ.*) - Correct:
我在外面等你。(Wǒ zài wàimiàn děng nǐ.) - I'll wait for you outside. - Explanation:
出去describes the dynamic action of going out, not the static state of being outside. The phrase在外面correctly indicates location.
去 and 来 based on your perspective. Always identify if an object is a place or a general item, and apply the correct pattern. Finally, ensure the main verb genuinely implies an outward action or result before attaching 出去.Real Conversations
出去 is an integral part of daily Chinese conversation, appearing in various registers from informal chats to more formal exchanges. Its widespread use reflects practical, real-world scenarios, making it essential for you to recognize and employ it naturally. These examples showcase its versatility and common applications.
- Casual Social Interactions (Texting/WeChat):
- A: 你晚上有什么计划？ (Nǐ wǎnshang yǒu shénme jìhuà?) - What are your plans tonight?
- B: 没什么，可能跟朋友出去吃个饭。 (Méishénme, kěnéng gēn péngyou chūqù chī ge fàn.) - Nothing much, might go out to eat with friends.
- Observation: 出去吃个饭 (chūqù chī ge fàn) is a common phrase implying leaving home to dine elsewhere, away from the speaker's current location.
- Work-Related Contexts (Emails/Meetings):
- 这份报告请今天下班前发出去。 (Zhè fèn bàogào qǐng jīntiān xiàbān qián fā chūqù.) - Please send out this report before the end of the workday today.
- 新的市场策略下周就要推出去了。 (Xīn de shìchǎng cèlüè xiàzhōu jiù yào tuī chūqù le.) - The new marketing strategy will be launched next week.
- Observation: 发出去 (fā chūqù) and 推出去 (tuī chūqù) are standard for dispatching documents or launching initiatives, moving them from internal to external visibility.
- Everyday Household Communication:
- 垃圾桶满了，谁能把垃圾倒出去？ (Lājītǒng mǎn le, shéi néng bǎ lājī dào chūqù?) - The trash can is full, who can take out the trash?
- 别把脏衣服堆在这里，快点拿出去洗。 (Bié bǎ zāng yīfu duī zài zhèlǐ, kuàidiǎn ná chūqù xǐ.) - Don't pile dirty clothes here, quickly take them out to wash.
- Observation: Both examples use the 把 construction with 出去 to describe removing objects from an internal space (kitchen, room) to an external one (outside, laundry area).
- Describing Events and News Spreading:
- 这个八卦一下子就传出去了，大家都知道了。 (Zhège bāguà yīxiàzi jiù chuán chūqù le, dàjiā dōu zhīdào le.) - This gossip spread quickly; everyone knows now.
- 疫情期间，很多人都不敢随便出去了。 (Yìqíng qíjiān, hěn duō rén dōu bù gǎn suíbiàn chūqù le.) - During the pandemic, many people didn't dare to go out casually.
- Observation: 传出去 (chuán chūqù) abstractly means information becoming known to the public, moving away from a contained state. The last example illustrates a general fear of leaving one's home.
These examples confirm that 出去 is not limited to rigid textbook scenarios but is an active and versatile element in modern Chinese communication. Its correct application significantly enhances your ability to sound natural and be clearly understood by native speakers.
Quick FAQ
出去, clarifying common points of confusion for Chinese learners.- Q: Can
出去!be used as a direct command? - A: Yes, absolutely.
出去!(Chūqù!) is a very direct, and often forceful or impolite, command meaning "Get out!" or "Leave!" Its tone is heavily dependent on context and intonation. You might use it playfully with close friends or children, but it is generally too blunt for formal or respectful situations. For instance, addressing a misbehaving pet:出去！别在这里捣乱。(Chūqù! Bié zài zhèlǐ dǎoluàn.) - Get out! Don't make trouble here. In human interactions, it conveys urgency or displeasure and should be used with caution.
- Q: How do I say "to look out" (e.g., a window)? Is it
看出去? - A: No,
看出去(kàn chūqù) is generally not idiomatic for the physical act of looking out through an opening like a window or door. For that, you should use往外看(wǎng wài kàn).往indicates direction, and外means "outside." For example:他喜欢坐在窗边往外看。(Tā xǐhuān zuò zài chuāngbiān wǎng wài kàn.) - He likes to sit by the window and look out.看出去can sometimes mean "to discern clearly (what's outside)" or "to be able to perceive something that has been revealed/emerged," focusing on the result of seeing rather than the act of looking. However, for the simple act of peering outward,往外看is the correct and natural expression.
- Q: Does
出去inherently indicate past, present, or future tense? - A: Like most Chinese verbs and complements,
出去itself does not carry tense. Chinese is a tenseless language. Tense and aspect (e.g., completion, continuation) are conveyed through context, time-related adverbs (e.g.,已经- yǐjīng, already;马上- mǎshàng, immediately;昨天- zuótiān, yesterday), or aspect particles like了(le) for completion or着(zhe) for ongoing actions. For instance,他昨天就出去了(Tā zuótiān jiù chūqù le) means "He went out yesterday," indicating past completion.他正要出去(Tā zhèng yào chūqù) means "He is about to go out," indicating imminent future action. You rely on these accompanying elements to establish the timeframe.
- Q: Can
出去be used with abstract concepts like emotions or feelings? - A: Generally, no, not in the same way it's used for physical or informational leakage. For feelings "coming out" or being revealed,
出来(chūlái) is much more common because emotions are often conceptualized as emerging towards observation or awareness. For example,看出来(kàn chūlái) means "to discern/make out (a hidden emotion or fact)," implying the emotion becomes apparent to you.出去is fundamentally about movement away from a source, which doesn't typically align with the revelation of internal emotional states.
- Q: Is
出去applicable to digital actions, like sending emails or files? - A: Yes, absolutely. This is a very common and natural extension of its meaning of "sending out" or "disseminating." The digital item (email, file) moves from your computer/device (an internal space) to a network/recipient (an external space). Example:
我把邮件发出去了。(Wǒ bǎ yóujiàn fā chūqù le.) - I sent out the email.把文件上传出去了。(Bǎ wénjiàn shàngchuán chūqù le.) - (I) uploaded the file (it went out to the server).
- Q: How does
出去compare to离开(líkāi - to leave)? - A:
离开(líkāi) is a more general and often more formal verb meaning "to leave" or "to depart." It describes the act of separating from a place, person, or situation, without necessarily specifying the directional nuance of "outwards and away from an enclosed space." You can离开a city, a job, a relationship, or a specific meeting.出去, in contrast, specifically denotes exiting an enclosed space and moving away from the speaker's perspective.出去is more concrete and spatially specific regarding the exit point, whereas离开is broader and can be abstract. For example,他离开了北京(Tā líkāi le Běijīng) means "He left Beijing," focusing on the departure from the city.他从酒店出去了(Tā cóng jiǔdiàn chūqù le) means "He exited the hotel," emphasizing the movement from inside to outside.
Formation of Directional Complements
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + 出 + 去
|
走出去
|
|
Negative
|
不 + Verb + 出 + 去
|
不走出去
|
|
Question
|
Verb + 出 + 去 + 吗
|
走出去吗？
|
|
A-not-A
|
Verb + 出 + 不 + 出 + 去
|
走不出出去？
|
|
Object (1)
|
Verb + 出 + 去 + Object
|
走出去教室
|
|
Object (2)
|
Verb + 出 + Object + 去
|
走出教室去
|
Meanings
This directional complement indicates movement from an interior space to an exterior space, moving away from the speaker.
Physical Exit
Literal movement from inside to outside.
“请{走出去|zǒu chūqù}。”
“他{跑出去|pǎo chūqù}了。”
Metaphorical Extension
Revealing or expressing something hidden.
“把你的想法{说出去|shuō chūqù}。”
“这事儿{传出去|chuán chūqù}不好。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + 出 + 去
|
他跑出去。
|
|
Negative
|
不 + Verb + 出 + 去
|
他不跑出去。
|
|
Question
|
Verb + 出 + 去 + 吗
|
他跑出去吗？
|
|
A-not-A
|
Verb + 出 + 不 + 出 + 去
|
他跑不跑出去？
|
|
Object
|
Verb + 出 + Object + 去
|
他走出房间去。
|
|
Potential
|
Verb + 得 + 出 + 去
|
他跑得出去。
|
Formality Spectrum
请前往餐厅用餐。 (Dining)
我们出去吃饭吧。 (Dining)
出去吃呗。 (Dining)
溜出去吃！ (Dining)
Directional Movement
Away
- 出去 Go out
Towards
- 出来 Come out
Examples by Level
我想{出去|chūqù}。
I want to go out.
他{出去|chūqù}了。
He went out.
别{出去|chūqù}。
Don't go out.
我们{出去|chūqù}吧。
Let's go out.
请把垃圾{拿出去|ná chūqù}。
Please take the trash out.
你要{出去|chūqù}玩吗？
Are you going out to play?
他从房间{跑出去|pǎo chūqù}了。
He ran out of the room.
我不打算{出去|chūqù}。
I don't plan to go out.
这事儿千万别{说出去|shuō chūqù}。
Don't let this matter get out.
他把车{开出去|kāi chūqù}了。
He drove the car out.
快把这些书{搬出去|bān chūqù}。
Quickly move these books out.
消息很快就{传出去|chuán chūqù}了。
The news spread out quickly.
他把所有的积蓄都{花出去|huā chūqù}了。
He spent all his savings.
请把这份报告{发出去|fā chūqù}。
Please send this report out.
他把怒气都{发出去|fā chūqù}了。
He vented all his anger.
把这封信{寄出去|jì chūqù}。
Send this letter out.
他将自己的理念{推广出去|tuīguǎng chūqù}。
He promoted his ideas.
这股力量被{释放出去|shìfàng chūqù}。
This force was released.
他把自己的影响力{扩展出去|kuòzhǎn chūqù}。
He expanded his influence.
把这些陈旧的观念{抛弃出去|pāoqì chūqù}。
Discard these outdated concepts.
他将这一传统{传承出去|chuánchéng chūqù}。
He passed on this tradition.
把这个信号{发射出去|fāshè chūqù}。
Transmit this signal.
他将自己的情感{倾诉出去|qīngsù chūqù}。
He poured out his emotions.
把这个项目{外包出去|wàibāo chūqù}。
Outsource this project.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up the direction relative to the speaker.
Both mean to leave.
Redundant 'qu'.
Common Mistakes
他出去房间
他走出房间去
他走出来
他走出去
他出去
他走出去
他出去去
他出去
把垃圾出去
把垃圾拿出去
他出去家
他走出家去
他出去学校
他走出学校去
把秘密说出
把秘密说出去
他跑出去房间
他跑出房间去
他传出去消息
他把消息传出去
他推广出
他推广出去
他释放出
他释放出去
Sentence Patterns
我想___出去。
把___拿出去。
他把___说出去。
把项目___出去。
Real World Usage
我出去啦！
请把文件发出去。
我想出去走走。
把外卖拿出去。
分享出去！
我曾把项目推广出去。
Speaker Perspective
Object Placement
Metaphorical Use
Politeness
Smart Tips
Always identify the speaker's position first.
Put the object between the two parts.
Use 'ba' to move the object before the verb.
Use the same structure as physical objects.
Pronunciation
Neutral tone
The 'qu' in 'chūqù' is often pronounced with a light, neutral tone.
Falling
出去↘
Command or statement.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Chu' as 'Choose' to leave, and 'Qu' as 'Quickly' go away.
Visual Association
Imagine a person standing inside a house. They open the door and walk away from the house into the garden.
Rhyme
Inside to out, we say Chu-Qu, moving away is what we do.
Story
Xiao Ming was bored inside. He decided to walk out. He walked out of the door and kept walking away.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about things you take out of your house daily.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in daily life for any exit.
Similar usage, often with a slightly softer tone.
Used in Cantonese-influenced Mandarin.
Derived from the combination of the verb 'chu' (exit) and 'qu' (go).
Conversation Starters
你周末想出去吗？
你通常几点出去？
你有没有把秘密说出去过？
你认为把项目外包出去好吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
他跑___去了。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他把秘密说出。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
He drove the car out.
Answer starts with: 他把车...
If I am inside, my friend is...
把项目外包___。
他 / 跑 / 出去 / 房间
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises他跑___去了。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他把秘密说出。
把 / 垃圾 / 拿 / 出去
He drove the car out.
If I am inside, my friend is...
把项目外包___。
他 / 跑 / 出去 / 房间
Score: /8
Practice Bank
7 exercises{把 | 拿 | 垃圾 | 出去 | 。| bǎ | ná | lājī | chūqù}
He ran out of the house.
Match the pairs
{别把秘密传___。|Bié bǎ mìmì chuán ___.}
Which is correct?
{他搬出去宿舍了。|Tā bān chūqù sùshè le.}
{我 | 邮件 | 已经 | 发进去了 | 。| wǒ | yóujiàn | yǐjīng | fā chūqù le}
Score: /7
FAQ (8)
出去 is moving away from the speaker; 出来 is moving towards the speaker.
No, you need a main verb like 走 or 跑.
Between 出 and 去.
Yes, but be careful with register.
Check your object placement.
Mostly, but pronunciation varies.
Yes, like secrets or news.
Use the mnemonic provided.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Salir
Chinese requires the directional component.
Sortir
Chinese specifies the direction relative to the speaker.
Hinausgehen
German uses prefixes; Chinese uses suffixes.
出ていく
Very similar structure to Chinese.
يخرج
Arabic does not use directional complements.
出去
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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