Result Complement '住' (zhù): Fixing things in place
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {住|zhù} after a verb to show that an action results in something staying fixed, stopped, or firmly in place.
- Use with verbs of stopping: {停|tíng}{住|zhù} (to come to a halt).
- Use with verbs of holding/securing: {抓|zhuā}{住|zhù} (to grab and hold tight).
- Use with verbs of remembering: {记|jì}{住|zhù} (to commit to memory/keep in mind).
Overview
The result complement 住 (zhù) is a fundamental component of Chinese grammar, particularly at the B1 intermediate level. While 住 initially appears in simple contexts like 我住在这里 (wǒ zhù zài zhèlǐ) meaning "I live here," its role as a result complement dramatically expands its utility. In this grammatical function, 住 attaches directly after a verb to indicate that the action has successfully achieved a state of fixation, stoppage, or secure retention.
It signifies that something has been arrested in its movement, firmly grasped, or securely stored. Essentially, 住 denotes that an action has brought about a lasting, stationary, or controlled state, preventing further movement, escape, or loss. This linguistic mechanism is deeply rooted in the Chinese tendency to specify the outcome or result of an action.
Chinese verbs often describe an attempt or an action in progress rather than its definitive success. For instance, 抓 (zhuā) means "to grab at" or "to seize," but it doesn't confirm that the object was successfully held. By adding 住 to form 抓住 (zhuāzhù), the meaning shifts to "to grab and successfully hold firmly." This distinct emphasis on the achieved result makes 住 indispensable for conveying precision in outcomes.
The complement 住 transforms a potential action into a confirmed, stable state, acting as a grammatical 'lock' or 'anchor' for the verb it modifies.
How This Grammar Works
住 functions as such a complement, signifying that the action of the preceding verb has led to a state of being fixed, stopped, or held fast. This creates a resultative verb compound (resultative construction), which behaves as a single semantic unit.住 confirms the successful completion of an action that brings something to a standstill or into a state of secure containment. It doesn't merely imply completion; it specifically implies a completion that results in immobility or secure establishment.停 (tíng), meaning "to stop" or "to pause." When used alone, 车停了 (chē tíng le) simply means "The car stopped." However, 车停住了 (chē tíngzhù le) conveys a stronger sense of the car coming to a complete, stable stop, not just pausing momentarily. The 住 solidifies the cessation of movement. This structure contrasts with languages like English, which might use adverbs like "firmly," "securely," or "completely" to achieve similar nuance.Verb + 住 is inseparable by other words, except in its potential forms. This close connection underscores 住's role in fundamentally altering the meaning of the main verb to specify a fixed or static result. For example, 记住 (jìzhù) means "to commit to memory" or "to remember securely," implying that the information is now safely stored and retained.记 (jì), "to record" or "to remember (an event fleetingly)." The presence of 住 indicates a successful, lasting mental fixation, a common and critical usage for students learning new vocabulary or concepts.Formation Pattern
住 is straightforward, yet precise rules govern its application in affirmative, negative, and interrogative contexts. The complement 住 always follows immediately after the main verb.
他 | tā | He |
抓 | zhuā | grabbed |
住 | 住 | zhù | and held |
一个球 | yī gè qiú | a ball |
他抓住了一个球。 | Tā zhuāzhù le yī gè qiú. | He grabbed hold of a ball. |
了 (le) is typically placed after 住. This signifies both completion and the resulting fixed state.
我记住了你的生日。 (Wǒ jìzhù le nǐ de shēngrì.) – I remembered your birthday.
风把门关住了。 (Fēng bǎ mén guānzhù le.) – The wind shut the door tightly.
住, 没 (méi) is used before the main verb. The structure is: Subject + 没 + Verb + 住 + (Object). Note that 了 is not used in negative sentences with 没.
她 | tā | She |
没 | 没 | méi | didn't |
拉 | lā | pull |
住 | 住 | zhù | and hold |
小狗 | xiǎo gǒu | the puppy |
她没拉住小狗。 | Tā méi lāzhù xiǎo gǒu. | She didn't hold onto the puppy. |
我没记住他的名字。 (Wǒ méi jìzhù tā de míngzi.) – I didn't remember his name.
车没停住，撞到了墙。 (Chē méi tíngzhù, zhuàng dào le qiáng.) – The car didn't stop, and hit the wall.
住 can be formed using 了没有 (le méiyǒu) for completed actions or by repeating the verb in affirmative and negative forms.
你抓住他了没有？ (Nǐ zhuāzhù tā le méiyǒu?) – Did you catch him?
你记住这个单词了没有？ (Nǐ jìzhù zhè ge dāncí le méiyǒu?) – Have you memorized this word?
住): Subject + Verb + 住 + (Object) + 吗? (This implicitly asks about the outcome).
他能停住吗？ (Tā néng tíngzhù ma?) – Can he stop?
得 (de) and 不 (bù) are inserted between the verb and 住. This is a crucial nuance for advanced learners.
Verb + 得 + 住: Indicates capability or possibility.
我记得住。 (Wǒ jìdezhù.) – I can remember it.
这张桌子撑得住吗？ (Zhè zhāng zhuōzi chēngdezhù ma?) – Can this table hold up/support it?
Verb + 不 + 住: Indicates incapability or impossibility.
我抓不住。 (Wǒ zhuābùzhù.) – I can't catch/hold it.
我忍不住笑了。 (Wǒ rěnbùzhù xiào le.) – I couldn't help but laugh (literally, couldn't hold back my laughter).
得/不) is typically covered in a separate, more advanced grammar rule. For B1, understanding the basic affirmative, negative, and interrogative structures is paramount.
When To Use It
住 is employed in several distinct yet conceptually linked scenarios, all revolving around the theme of achieving a stable, fixed, or securely retained state. Mastering these contexts is key to fluent and accurate usage.住 when an action causes something to come to a complete halt and remain stationary. This applies to literal cessation of movement.停住 (tíngzhù)– to stop (e.g., a vehicle, movement of an object):刹车失灵了，我差点没停住。(Shāchē shīlíng le, wǒ chàdiǎn méi tíngzhù.) – The brakes failed, I almost couldn't stop.站住 (zhànzhù)– to stop (standing still), halt (often an imperative):警察大喊：“站住！别动！”(Jǐngchá dàhǎn: "Zhànzhù! Bié dòng!") – The police officer shouted, "Stop! Don't move!"挡住 (dǎngzhù)– to block, obstruct (e.g., light, view, path):这棵树把我的视线挡住了。(Zhè kē shù bǎ wǒ de shìxiàn dǎngzhù le.) – This tree is blocking my view.
住 indicates that an object has been successfully held or secured, preventing it from falling, escaping, or being lost. The emphasis is on a firm, successful grip.抓住 (zhuāzhù)– to grab and hold firmly (e.g., a person, an opportunity):我抓住了一根绳子才没掉下去。(Wǒ zhuāzhù le yī gēn shéngzi cái méi diào xiàqù.) – I grabbed hold of a rope and only then didn't fall down.拿住 (názhù)– to hold firmly, secure a grip on something heavy or unstable:请你帮我拿住箱子，它太重了。(Qǐng nǐ bāng wǒ názhù xiāngzi, tā tài zhòng le.) – Please help me hold the box firmly; it's too heavy.拉住 (lāzhù)– to pull and hold (e.g., a leash, someone's arm):孩子跑得太快了，妈妈赶紧拉住了他。(Háizi pǎo de tài kuài le, māma gǎnjǐn lāzhù le tā.) – The child ran too fast, so the mother quickly pulled and held him back.
住 is commonly used to describe the successful retention of information or ideas in the mind, ensuring they are not forgotten.记住 (jìzhù)– to memorize, commit to memory, remember securely: This is perhaps the most frequent and crucial use of住for learners.我总是记不住生词。(Wǒ zǒng shì jìbùzhù shēngcí.) – I always can't remember new words.请你记住我们的约定。(Qǐng nǐ jìzhù wǒmen de yuēdìng.) – Please remember our agreement.记牢 (jìláo)also means to remember firmly, and is a useful synonym to distinguish from记住.
住 can also describe the act of controlling or restraining something abstract, like emotions, thoughts, or even people/attention, preventing them from moving, escaping, or changing.管住 (guǎnzhù)– to control, manage, restrain (e.g., one's temper, mouth, children):他努力管住了自己的情绪。(Tā nǔlì guǎnzhù le zìjǐ de qíngxù.) – He tried hard to control his emotions.- Cultural Insight: A common Chinese idiom for self-discipline, especially regarding health, is
管住嘴，迈开腿 (guǎnzhù zuǐ, màikāi tuǐ)– "control your mouth, move your legs," implying dietary control and exercise. 留住 (liúzhù)– to retain, keep (e.g., talent, customers, attention):这家公司想尽办法留住优秀人才。(Zhè jiā gōngsī xiǎng jìn bànfǎ liúzhù yōuxiù réncái.) – This company is trying every method to retain excellent talent.稳住 (wěnzhù)– to stabilize, steady (e.g., a situation, one's nerves):在关键时刻，他稳住了局面。(Zài guānjiàn shíkè, tā wěnzhù le júmiàn.) – At the critical moment, he stabilized the situation.迷住 (mízhù)– to be fascinated by, captivated by (implies one's attention is "stuck"):我被这部电影彻底迷住了。(Wǒ bèi zhè bù diànyǐng chèdǐ mízhù le.) – I was completely captivated by this movie.
Common Mistakes
住 due to its nuanced meaning and its overlap with other grammatical particles and complements. Understanding these common pitfalls is essential for accurate usage.住 with 了 (le):住 (with 了) and 了 alone can indicate completion, their emphasis is different. 了 merely marks an action as completed. 住, however, specifically emphasizes that the action has resulted in a fixed, stable, or stationary state.- Incorrect: Using
了when the secure fixation is the key meaning. - Correct:
我抓住了小偷。(Wǒ zhuāzhù le xiǎotōu.) – I caught the thief (and held him). (Emphasizes the thief is secured).- Compare:
我抓了小偷。(Wǒ zhuā le xiǎotōu.) – I grabbed the thief. (Doesn't guarantee the thief was held; he might have escaped immediately after the grab). The success of holding is paramount with住.
住 with 到 (dào):到 is another common result complement meaning "to arrive," "to reach," or "to succeed in perceiving." It focuses on reaching a target or achieving perception, whereas 住 focuses on stopping or holding. The verbs 看 (kàn) (to look) and 听 (tīng) (to listen) are particularly prone to this confusion.看到 (kàndào)– to see, to perceive visually: Implies successfully glimpsing or noticing something.我看到他了。(Wǒ kàndào tā le.) – I saw him.看住 (kànzhù)– to keep an eye on, to guard, to watch carefully to prevent escape/mischief: Implies continuous vigilance and control.请你帮我看住孩子。(Qǐng nǐ bāng wǒ kànzhù háizi.) – Please help me watch (and ensure the safety of) the child.听到 (tīngdào)– to hear, to perceive audibly: Implies successfully catching a sound.我听到一个奇怪的声音。(Wǒ tīngdào yī gè qíguài de shēngyīn.) – I heard a strange sound.听住is rarely used in modern Chinese; if you want to say "listen carefully and remember," you would typically use记住or听清楚 (tīngqīngchu)(to hear clearly).
住 with Inappropriate Verbs:住 can only be used with verbs that can logically result in a state of fixation, stoppage, or secure holding. It cannot be appended to verbs that inherently describe continuous motion or a non-static outcome.- Incorrect:
跑住 (pǎozhù)– to run and stop. (Instead, use跑停 (pǎotíng)if you mean to run until stopping, or simply停住if the emphasis is on stopping). - Incorrect:
吃住 (chīzhù)– to eat and hold. (Unless in a very specific, unusual context, this doesn't make sense. If you mean "eat and stay," that's two separate actions or a different construction like包吃住 (bāochīzhù)meaning 'food and lodging included'). - Always ask yourself: does the action of this verb logically lead to something being securely held or stopped?
住 follows the main verb immediately. No other words, especially adverbs or objects, should separate them in the basic compound structure.- Incorrect:
我记很快住那个单词。(Wǒ jì hěn kuài zhù nà ge dāncí.) – I quickly remembered that word. - Correct:
我很快记住了那个单词。(Wǒ hěn kuài jìzhù le nà ge dāncí.) – I quickly remembered that word. (The adverb很快comes before the verb-complement compound).
住 as "to live" when used as a complement:住 means "to live" as a standalone verb, this meaning is entirely separate when it acts as a result complement. Learners sometimes make this mistake, leading to comical misunderstandings.- If someone shouts
站住！(Zhànzhù!), they are commanding you to stop walking immediately, not inviting you to live on the street corner.
Real Conversations
In contemporary Chinese communication, 住 is a highly prevalent and natural part of daily discourse, appearing across various registers from casual chats to more formal contexts. Its efficiency in conveying a precise result makes it indispensable.
1. Texting and Social Media:
- Scenario: Friend asks if you remembered important information.
- A: 你记住今天的会议时间了吗？ (Nǐ jìzhù jīntiān de huìyì shíjiān le ma?) – Did you remember today's meeting time?
- B: 记住了！放心吧。 (Jìzhù le! Fàngxīn ba.) – Remembered it! Don't worry.
- Scenario: Commenting on a captivating piece of content.
- 这个视频太有趣了，我完全停不住地看！ (Zhè ge shìpín tài yǒuqù le, wǒ wánquán tíngbùzhù de kàn!) – This video is so interesting, I just can't stop watching!
- 被这个小动物萌住了！ (Bèi zhè ge xiǎo dòngwù méngzhù le!) – Totally captivated by this cute little animal! (Often used playfully, 萌住 meaning
Formation of Resultative 住
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + 住
|
{记|jì}{住|zhù}
|
|
Negative
|
Verb + 不 + 住
|
{记|jì}不住
|
|
Interrogative
|
Verb + 住 + 没有?
|
{记|jì}{住|zhù}没有?
|
|
Potential
|
Verb + 得 + 住
|
{记|jì}{得|de}{住|zhù}
|
|
Potential Negative
|
Verb + 不 + 住
|
{记|jì}不住
|
Meanings
The complement {住|zhù} indicates that an action has successfully brought an object or state to a fixed, stable, or stationary position.
Physical Stoppage
Stopping motion or movement.
“车{停|tíng}{住|zhù}了。”
“他{拦|lán}{住|zhù}了出租车。”
Firm Grasp
Holding something so it cannot escape.
“{抓|zhuā}{住|zhù}绳子！”
“他{握|wò}{住|zhù}了我的手。”
Mental Retention
Keeping information in the mind.
“我{记|jì}{住|zhù}了你的名字。”
“这首歌我{听|tīng}{住|zhù}了。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V + 住
|
{停|tíng}{住|zhù}
|
|
Negative
|
V + 不 + 住
|
{停|tíng}不住
|
|
Question
|
V + 住 + 吗?
|
{停|tíng}{住|zhù}吗?
|
|
Potential
|
V + 得 + 住
|
{停|tíng}{得|de}{住|zhù}
|
|
Past
|
V + 住 + 了
|
{停|tíng}{住|zhù}了
|
Formality Spectrum
请务必记住该地址。 (Giving directions)
请记住这个地址。 (Giving directions)
记住了这个地址啊。 (Giving directions)
地址记死！ (Giving directions)
The 'Stay Put' Concept
Physical
- {停|tíng}{住|zhù} Stop
- {抓|zhuā}{住|zhù} Grab
Mental
- {记|jì}{住|zhù} Remember
Abstract
- {稳|wěn}{住|zhù} Stabilize
Examples by Level
车{停|tíng}{住|zhù}了。
The car stopped.
{抓|zhuā}{住|zhù}！
Hold on!
{记|jì}{住|zhù}。
Remember it.
{拿|ná}{住|zhù}。
Hold it.
我{记|jì}不住他的名字。
I can't remember his name.
他{拦|lán}{住|zhù}了出租车。
He stopped a taxi.
请{坐|zuò}{住|zhù}。
Please sit still.
{锁|suǒ}{住|zhù}门。
Lock the door.
{忍|rěn}{住|zhù}不笑。
Hold back from laughing.
他{握|wò}{住|zhù}我的手。
He held my hand.
{挡|dǎng}{住|zhù}了视线。
Blocked the view.
{记|jì}{住|zhù}这个{教|jiào}{训|xùn}。
Remember this lesson.
我们要{稳|wěn}{住|zhù}局势。
We must stabilize the situation.
{盯|dīng}{住|zhù}目标。
Keep your eyes on the goal.
他{憋|biē}{住|zhù}气。
He held his breath.
{缠|chán}{住|zhù}我不放。
Pestering me and won't let go.
{勾|gōu}{住|zhù}了我的心。
Captured my heart.
{封|fēng}{住|zhù}了出口。
Sealed the exit.
{堵|dǔ}{住|zhù}了漏洞。
Plugged the loophole.
{吸|xī}{住|zhù}了眼球。
Caught everyone's attention.
{凝|níng}{住|zhù}了时光。
Froze time.
{扼|è}{住|zhù}命运的咽喉。
Seize fate by the throat.
{拴|shuān}{住|zhù}了客户。
Retained the client.
{定|dìng}{住|zhù}了神。
Composed oneself.
Easily Confused
Both are resultative complements.
Both follow verbs.
Both indicate completion.
Common Mistakes
停了住
停住
记住了名字
记住了名字
走住
停住
抓了
抓住
记不住了
记不住
拦住出租车了
拦住出租车了
坐住下
坐住
忍住笑
忍住笑
稳住局势
稳住局势
锁住门了
锁住门了
凝住时间
凝住时间
扼住命运
扼住命运
拴住客户
拴住客户
Sentence Patterns
请___住这个地址。
我___不住那个球。
我们要___住局势。
他___住了我的手。
Real World Usage
记住了！
停住！
稳住客户。
抓住球！
锁住门。
勾住粉丝。
Check the logic
Don't over-use
Negative form
Context matters
Smart Tips
Use 停住 instead of just 停.
Use 记住 instead of just 记.
Use 抓住.
Use 稳住.
Pronunciation
Tone of 住
It is a neutral tone in many contexts, but can be 4th tone (zhù) for emphasis.
Command
停住！↘
Firm instruction
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of {住|zhù} as a 'living' anchor. When you 'live' somewhere, you are fixed in place.
Visual Association
Imagine a person grabbing a rope and 'living' (staying) on it. They are fixed and won't fall.
Rhyme
Action done, result is true, just add the character 住!
Story
Xiao Ming was running. He 'stopped' (停住) when he saw a cat. He 'grabbed' (抓住) the cat gently. He 'remembered' (记住) to feed it later.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, describe everything you 'fix' or 'stop' using the pattern: 'I [verb] + 住 [object]'.
Cultural Notes
Used heavily in public safety announcements.
Similar usage, but sometimes prefers '記起來' for memory.
Often influenced by Cantonese, but standard Mandarin uses '住' the same way.
Derived from the verb 'to live/dwell', implying staying in one place.
Conversation Starters
你记住了吗？
你能抓住这个球吗？
怎么忍住不笑？
如何稳住团队？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
请___住这个地址。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他记不住了。
住 / 门 / 锁 / 了
Hold the rope!
Answer starts with: 抓住绳...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
抓住
A: 你记住了吗？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises请___住这个地址。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他记不住了。
住 / 门 / 锁 / 了
Hold the rope!
Match:
抓住
A: 你记住了吗？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises我的手机没拿____，掉进水里了。
Please remember my phone number.
住了 / 把 / 警察 / 小偷 / 抓
Match the following:
Choose the right phrase:
这个美景吸引我。
雨太大了，路被堵____了。
Can you control your dog?
Choose the correct phrase:
记住 / 没 / 密码 / 我 / 那个
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, only verbs that result in a fixed state.
It is often neutral, but can be 4th tone.
记住 is mental retention; 记下来 is writing it down.
Yes, add '了' after '住'.
Yes, very common.
记不住 is potential (cannot); 没记住 is factual (did not).
No, only verbs.
Yes, especially in business or literature.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
quedarse
Chinese uses a separate particle.
rester
Chinese is more specific about the action.
bleiben
Chinese syntax is verb-complement.
とどまる
Chinese is more flexible.
بقي
Chinese structure is unique.
住
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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