Result Complement: Fixing & Stopping (住)
住 (zhù) to show that an action has successfully fixed, stopped, or stabilized something in place.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {住|zhù} after a verb to show that an action successfully stops movement or fixes an object in place.
- Use {住|zhù} to indicate stopping: {停住|tíngzhù} (to come to a halt).
- Use {住|zhù} to indicate fixation: {记住|jìzhù} (to fix in memory/remember).
- Negate with {没|méi} + Verb + {住|zhù}: {没记住|méi jìzhù} (didn't manage to remember).
Overview
In Mandarin Chinese, expressing the successful outcome of an action is a fundamental grammatical requirement. Simply stating a verb often leaves the result ambiguous. This is where the result complement system comes into play, and 住 ({zhù}) is a crucial component, signifying fixation, stability, or cessation.
While you may know 住 as the primary verb meaning "to live" or "to reside," its function as a complement is a metaphorical extension of this idea. It implies that the action of a verb has caused its object or subject to be successfully "fixed" in place, brought to a halt, or secured firmly.
Think of it less as simple tape and more as a locking mechanism. When you {抓} ({zhuā}) something, you are in the process of grabbing it. But when you {抓住} ({zhuāzhù}) it, you have successfully secured it in your hand.
The action is not just performed; it has achieved a state of stability. This concept applies equally to both the physical world (catching a ball) and the abstract, internal world (memorizing a fact). Understanding 住 is key to moving from describing simple actions to describing their definitive, lasting results, a hallmark of fluency.
This complement allows you to specify that an action didn't just happen, but that it successfully resulted in a state of immobility or permanence. For B2 learners, mastering 住 is essential for expressing nuanced control and success, particularly in contexts of holding, stopping, remembering, and enduring. It's the grammatical difference between attempting an action and achieving a firm, stable outcome.
For instance, {记} ({jì}) means "to make a note," but {记住} ({jìzhù}) means to successfully "fix" the information in your memory.
How This Grammar Works
住 acts as the RC, adding a specific result of firmness, stability, or stoppage to the main verb.住 is to confirm that the action has been brought to a stable conclusion. Without it, the listener might assume the action was attempted but not necessarily completed successfully. For example, if you say {我没拿那个杯子} ({wǒ méi ná nàge bēizi}), it means "I didn't pick up that cup." However, if you say {我没拿住那个杯子} ({wǒ méi názhù nàge bēizi}), it implies a different scenario: "I tried to hold the cup, but failed to hold it securely (and it likely fell)." The addition of 住 clarifies that the intended result of "firmly holding" was not achieved.住 "anchors" an object. When a goalkeeper {接} ({jiē}, to receive) a ball, they might fumble it.{接住} ({jiēzhù}) the ball, they have caught it securely. Mentally, 住 "anchors" a concept or an emotion. When you try to {记} ({jì}, to note) a password, you might forget it.{记住} ({jìzhù}) it, you have successfully stored it in your long-term memory. The complement is not just an add-on; it's an integral part of expressing a successful, finalized state.Formation Pattern
住 correctly, you must place it immediately after the main verb. The object, if any, follows the entire verb-complement phrase. The pattern also changes for negation and for expressing potential ability, which is a critical distinction at the B2 level.
{他抓住了我的手。} ({Tā zhuāzhùle wǒ de shǒu.}) - He grabbed my hand and held on.
{雨太大了，伞我没拿住。} ({Yǔ tài dàle, sǎn wǒ méi názhù.}) - The rain was too heavy; I couldn't hold on to the umbrella.
住. It doesn't describe a past event, but rather the inherent ability or inability to achieve a stable result.
{Verb + 得住} ({de zhù}) means "able to hold/withstand/endure."
{Verb + 不住} ({bu zhù}) means "unable to hold/withstand/endure."
{拿} ({ná}, to hold):
{了} ({le}) and {过} ({guò}) always come after the Verb + 住 compound, never in between. The object also follows the compound: {记住这个词} ({jìzhù zhège cí}), not *记这个词住.
When To Use It
住 involves recognizing the specific scenarios where fixation, stability, or halting is the intended result. Here are the primary use cases:{抓住}({zhuāzhù}): to grab and hold on tightly.{小偷想跑，但是被警察抓住了。}({Xiǎotōu xiǎng pǎo, dànshì bèi jǐngchá zhuāzhùle.}) - The thief tried to run but was caught by the police.{接住}({jiēzhù}): to catch something successfully.{他扔过来一个苹果，我单手就接住了。}({Tā rēng guòlái yīgè píngguǒ, wǒ dān shǒu jiù jiēzhùle.}) - He threw an apple, and I caught it with one hand.{抱住}({bàozhù}): to hug or hold tightly.{孩子吓得跑过来紧紧抱住了妈妈。}({Háizi xià dé pǎo guòlái jǐn jǐn bàozhùle māmā.}) - The frightened child ran over and hugged their mother tightly.
住 emphasizes a sudden and complete stop.{站住}({zhànzhù}): Stop right there! This is often used as a command and carries a strong sense of urgency.{“站住！不许动！”}({“Zhànzhù! Bùxǔ dòng!”}) - "Freeze! Don't move!"{停住}({tíngzhù}): To come to a full stop. It implies more finality than just{停}.{司机突然刹车，车终于在悬崖边停住了。}({Sījī túrán shāchē, chē zhōngyú zài xuányá biān tíngzhùle.}) - The driver braked suddenly, and the car finally stopped at the edge of the cliff.
{记} ({jì}).{记住}({jìzhù}): To memorize; to commit to memory. This is non-negotiable for expressing successful memorization.{老师说这个语法点很重要，我们一定要记住。}({Lǎoshī shuō zhège yǔfǎ diǎn hěn zhòngyào, wǒmen yīdìng yào jìzhù.}) - The teacher said this grammar point is very important; we must memorize it.
住 refers to holding one's ground against a force, whether physical or metaphorical.{顶住}({dǐngzhù}): To withstand pressure.{我们必须顶住竞争对手的压力。}({Wǒmen bìxū dǐngzhù jìngzhēng duìshǒu de yālì.}) - We must withstand the pressure from our competitors.{撑住}({chēngzhù}): To hold on, to endure (often through a difficult time).{再撑住一下，救援队马上就到了。}({Zài chēngzhù yīxià, jiùyuán duì mǎshàng jiù dàole.}) - Hold on a little longer, the rescue team is almost here.
{忍不住}({rěnbuzhù}): Cannot help but...; cannot bear it.{这部电影太感人了，我忍不住哭了。}({Zhè bù diànyǐng tài gǎnrénle, wǒ rěnbuzhù kūle.}) - This movie was so moving, I couldn't help but cry.{憋不住}({biēbuzhù}): Can't hold it in. This can refer to secrets, laughter, or a need to use the restroom.{他讲的笑话让我憋不住笑。}({Tā jiǎng de xiàohuà ràng wǒ biē bu zhù xiào.}) - The joke he told made me unable to hold in my laughter.
{看} is pronounced in the first tone, {kān}, it means "to look after" or "to guard." In this context, {看住} ({kānzhù}) means to watch someone or something securely to prevent escape or mishap.{你帮我看住行李，我去一下洗手间。}({Nǐ bāng wǒ kānzhù xínglǐ, wǒ qù yīxià xǐshǒujiān.}) - Please watch my luggage for me, I'm going to the restroom.
Common Mistakes
住 but make subtle errors in negation, potential forms, and distinguishing it from similar structures.没V住) with General Inability (V不住)没 ({méi}) is for a specific past event, while 不 ({bu}) in the potential form is for a general or current inability.- Mistake:
{我拿不住那个烫的盘子，所以掉了。}({Wǒ ná bu zhù nàge tàng de pánzi, suǒyǐ diàole.}) - Correction:
{我没拿住那个烫的盘子，所以掉了。}({Wǒ méi názhù nàge tàng de pánzi, suǒyǐ diàole.}) - I failed to hold the hot plate, so it dropped. (A specific past event). - Correct use of
拿不住:{这个盘子太烫了，我拿不住。}({Zhège pánzi tài tàngle, wǒ ná bu zhù.}) - This plate is too hot, I am unable to hold it. (A general statement of inability).
不 for Past Negation{不} ({bù}) instead of {没} ({méi}) to negate a past action with 住.- Mistake:
{对不起，我不住记你的名字。}(Incorrect use ofbùand word order.) - Correction:
{对不起，我没记住你的名字。}({Duìbùqǐ, wǒ méi jìzhù nǐ de míngzì.}) - Sorry, I didn't remember your name.
记住 (to memorize) with 记得 (to remember){记住} is the action of successfully committing something to memory. {记得} is the state of having something in your memory.{记住}({jìzhù}) is dynamic: "You must memorize this!" -{你必须记住这个！}({Nǐ bìxū jìzhù zhège!}){记得}({jìde}) is stative: "Do you remember him?" -{你还记得他吗？}({Nǐ hái jìde tā ma?})
住 can only be used with verbs whose results can be logically described as "fixed" or "stable." You cannot use it to simply mean "finished."- Mistake:
{我昨晚八点才吃住了饭。} - Correction:
{我昨晚八点才吃完饭。}({Wǒ zuó wǎn bā diǎn cái chīwán fàn.}) - I didn't finish eating until 8 PM last night. The result of eating is being "finished" (完), not being "fixed" (住).
Verb + 住 structure is a tight-knit compound and should not be separated by objects or most aspect markers.- Mistake:
{他抓了住那个球。} - Correction:
{他抓住了那个球。}({Tā zhuāzhùle nàge qiú.}) - He caught the ball. The particle{了}({le}) must come after the entire V-C phrase.
Real Conversations
Observing 住 in natural contexts helps clarify its modern usage beyond textbook examples.
Scenario 1
- Manager: {这个项目时间紧，任务重，大家可能会觉得压力很大，但我们一定要撑住，坚持就是胜利。}
- ({Zhège xiàngmù shíjiān jǐn, rènwù zhòng, dàjiā kěnéng huì juédé yālì hěn dà, dàn wǒmen yīdìng yào chēngzhù, jiānchí jiùshì shènglì.})
- (This project has a tight deadline and heavy workload. Everyone might feel a lot of pressure, but we absolutely must hold on. Persistence is victory.)
Scenario 2
- A: {刚开会的时候老板的假发掉了哈哈哈哈} ({Gāng kāihuì de shíhòu lǎobǎn de jiǎfǎ diàole hāhāhāhā})
- (The boss's wig fell off during the meeting just now hahaha)
- B: {真的假的？我在旁边，差点没憋住笑出来。} ({Zhēn de jiǎ de? Wǒ zài pángbiān, chàdiǎn méi biēzhù xiào chūlái.})
- (For real? I was right there and almost couldn't hold in my laughter.)
Scenario 3
- A: {新餐厅的地址我发你了。} ({Xīn cāntīng de dìzhǐ wǒ fā nǐle.})
- (I sent you the address of the new restaurant.)
- B: {收到了。看着有点复杂，我怕我记不住，还是存到地图里吧。} ({Shōu dàole. Kànzhe yǒudiǎn fùzá, wǒ pà wǒ jìbuzhù, háishì cún dào dìtú lǐ ba.})
- (Got it. It looks a bit complicated, I'm afraid I won't be able to remember it. I'd better save it in my maps.)
Scenario 4
- (Person A sees Person B drop something and calls out.)
- A: {欸，你站住！你东西掉了！} ({Āi, nǐ zhànzhù! Nǐ dōngxī diàole!})
- (Hey, stop! You dropped something!)
Quick FAQ
住 ({zhù}), 好 ({hǎo}), and 到 ({dào}) as result complements?They describe different types of results.
住({zhù}) implies fixation or stability.{拿住}({názhù}) means to hold firmly.好({hǎo}) implies completion to a satisfactory state or readiness.{拿好}({náhǎo}) means to hold properly or get it ready.到({dào}) implies attainment of a goal or arrival.{拿到}({nádào}) means to have successfully obtained it.
忍不住 ({rěnbuzhù}) a single word?Grammatically, it's a verb-complement phrase (忍 + 不 + 住). However, it is used so frequently and idiomatically that it functions like a single lexical unit in the minds of native speakers. You should learn it as a set phrase meaning "cannot help but..."
站住! ({zhànzhù}) sound so commanding?Because 住 implies an immediate, absolute, and non-negotiable halt. While {请停一下} ({qǐng tíng yīxià}) is a polite request to pause, {站住} is a command to freeze on the spot, which is why it's common in movies and urgent situations.
没拿住 (failed to hold) and 拿不住 (unable to hold). Can I say 拿得住?Yes, absolutely. {拿得住} ({ná de zhù}) is the positive potential form, meaning "able to hold securely." For example: {这个箱子虽然大，但是我一个人还拿得住。} ({Zhège xiāngzi suīrán dà, dànshì wǒ yīgè rén hái ná de zhù.}) - "Although this box is big, I can still hold it by myself."
住 with any verb?No. The verb's meaning must be compatible with a result of fixation, stability, or stoppage. You can {抓住} ({zhuāzhù}, grab), {停住} ({tíngzhù}, stop), and {记住} ({jìzhù}, memorize), but you cannot 喝住 ({hēzhù}, drink), 写住 ({xiězhù}, write), or *走住 ({zǒuzhù}, walk), because the results of these actions aren't
Formation of Resultative 住
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + 住
|
记住
|
|
Negative
|
没 + Verb + 住
|
没记住
|
|
Question
|
Verb + 住 + 没有?
|
记住没有?
|
|
Result
|
Verb + 住 + 了
|
记住了
|
|
Potential
|
Verb + 得住
|
记得住
|
|
Inability
|
Verb + 不住
|
记不住
|
Meanings
The complement {住|zhù} indicates that an action has resulted in an object becoming stationary or firmly fixed in a specific state or location.
Physical Cessation
Stopping movement or sound.
“他{停住|tíngzhù}了脚步。”
“请{闭住|bìzhù}嘴。”
Mental/Physical Fixation
Holding something firmly in place or memory.
“我{记住|jìzhù}了你的话。”
“他{拉住|lāzhù}了我的手。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + 住
|
他站住。
|
|
Negative
|
没 + Verb + 住
|
他没站住。
|
|
Question
|
Verb + 住 + 了吗?
|
他站住了吗?
|
|
Potential
|
Verb + 得住
|
我记得住。
|
|
Inability
|
Verb + 不住
|
我记不住。
|
|
Object
|
把 + Obj + Verb + 住
|
把门关住。
|
Formality Spectrum
请务必记住密码。 (Security)
请记住密码。 (Security)
记住密码哦。 (Security)
密码记死！ (Security)
The Semantic Range of 住
Physical
- 停住 Stop
- 拉住 Hold
Mental
- 记住 Remember
Abstract
- 稳住 Stabilize
Examples by Level
请{停住|tíngzhù}。
Please stop.
雨{停住|tíngzhù}了。
The rain stopped.
他{站住|zhànzhù}了。
He stood still.
别{动住|dòngzhù}。
Don't move.
我{拉住|lāzhù}了他。
I held him back.
请{闭住|bìzhù}嘴。
Please shut your mouth.
他{没记住|méi jìzhù}。
He didn't remember.
把门{关住|guānzhù}。
Keep the door closed.
我{忍住|rěnzhù}没笑。
I held back from laughing.
他{挡住|dǎngzhù}了路。
He blocked the road.
请{拿住|názhù}这个。
Please hold this firmly.
我{没听住|méi tīngzhù}。
I didn't catch that.
把这个{钉住|dìngzhù}。
Nail this down.
他{稳住|wěnzhù}了局面。
He stabilized the situation.
我{没看住|méi kànzhù}孩子。
I didn't keep an eye on the child.
请{锁住|suǒzhù}门。
Please lock the door.
他{压住|yāzhù}了火气。
He suppressed his anger.
这事儿{定住|dìngzhù}了。
This matter is settled.
他{守住|shǒuzhù}了底线。
He held his bottom line.
别让机会{溜住|liūzhù}。
Don't let the opportunity slip away.
他{把持住|bǎchízhù}了权力。
He held onto the power.
他{凝住|níngzhù}了目光。
He fixed his gaze.
这声音{久久|jiǔjiǔ}不{散住|sànzhù}。
The sound lingered for a long time.
他{克制住|kèzhìzhù}了冲动。
He restrained his impulse.
Easily Confused
Both follow verbs. 住 is for fixing, 完 is for finishing.
Both are resultative. 到 is for reaching a target.
下 can also mean 'to hold' (e.g., 坐下).
Common Mistakes
不记住
没记住
吃住
吃完
停住了
停住了
记住不
记不住
拉不
拉不住
没拉住他
没拉住他
关住门
把门关住
忍不
忍住
稳住局面了
稳住了局面
记住了吗
记住了吗
把持住权力
把持住权力
凝住目光
凝住目光
散住
散开
克制住冲动
克制住冲动
Sentence Patterns
请把___住。
我没___住。
他___住了局面。
我___不住了。
Real World Usage
记住了！
我会记住您的建议。
站住！
请把门关住。
忍住不买！
锁住门。
Use 没 for negation
Don't use 不
Think of 'Lock'
Politeness
Smart Tips
Add 住 to 停.
Use 记住.
Use 拉住.
Use 稳住.
Pronunciation
住 (zhù)
Fourth tone, sharp and short.
Command
站住！↘
Firm, falling tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of {住|zhù} as a 'glue' that sticks the action to the object.
Visual Association
Imagine a person running, and suddenly a giant magnet (the '住' magnet) pulls them to a stop.
Rhyme
Action done, state is set, add a 住, don't forget!
Story
Xiao Wang was running fast. He wanted to remember his homework. He stopped (停住) and wrote it down. Now he has remembered (记住) it. He is happy.
Word Web
Challenge
For 5 minutes, label 5 things in your room with a verb + 住 (e.g., 关住 the door).
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in daily life for instructions.
Similar usage, often slightly softer.
Influenced by English, but standard usage.
Originally meant 'to reside'.
Conversation Starters
你记住了吗？
你能忍住不笑吗？
怎么稳住局面？
你如何克制住冲动？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我没___住他的名字。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他吃住饭了。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Hold him back!
Answer starts with: a...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 记住了吗? B: ___
Use 稳住
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我没___住他的名字。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他吃住饭了。
门 / 把 / 关住
Hold him back!
Match: 1. Stop, 2. Remember
A: 记住了吗? B: ___
Use 稳住
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises记住 | 那个 | 你 | 吗 | 人的 | 名字 | 住了
Freeze! Don't move!
看到那个感人的视频，他___哭了。
我拿住不这个沉的箱子。
Match the pairs:
Can you withstand this pressure?
过马路的时候要___孩子的手。
Did you catch the thief?
我没记住到你的生日。
请 | 行李 | 看住 | 你的
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, only verbs that imply a state of stopping or fixing.
Because resultative complements refer to completed actions.
It is neutral and very common.
Use 记不住 (potential complement).
Yes, it is standard in all Chinese regions.
The sentence might be incomplete; always check if the verb needs an object.
Yes, use Verb + 住 + 了吗?
No, once you understand the 'lock' concept, it's easy.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
quedarse
Chinese uses a suffix, Spanish uses a prefix/reflexive.
rester
Chinese is a compound.
fest-
German prefixes are separable.
～ておく
Japanese is agglutinative.
ثبت
Arabic is root-based.
住
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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