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A2 verb 11 min read

站起来

zhanqilai

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 站起来 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 站起来 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '站起来' (zhàn qǐlái) is taught as a basic command and a simple physical action. Students learn it alongside other classroom instructions like '坐下' (zuòxià - sit down) and '请听' (qǐng tīng - please listen). The focus is on recognizing the sounds and the basic meaning: moving from a chair to a standing position. You will mostly use it in the form of '请站起来' (Please stand up). Grammatically, A1 learners don't need to worry about the complexities of '起来' as a complement; they just treat the whole phrase as a single unit meaning 'to stand up.' It is an essential part of the 'classroom survival' vocabulary.

At the A2 level, learners begin to see '站起来' in slightly more complex sentences. You will learn to use it with simple adverbs like '快' (kuài - quickly) or '慢慢' (mànmàn - slowly). You also start to encounter the 'le' particle, specifically how it fits into the phrase to describe a completed action: '他站了起来' (He stood up). A2 learners should be able to distinguish between '站起来' (the action of standing) and '站' (the state of standing). You might also use it in simple sequences of actions, such as '他站起来，然后走了' (He stood up, then left).

At the B1 level, you will explore the 'potential complement' form of this phrase. This means learning how to say you *can* or *cannot* stand up: '站得起来' (zhàn de qǐlái) and '站不起来' (zhàn bù qǐlái). This is very important for describing physical conditions or feelings. You will also begin to see the phrase used in more varied contexts, such as in stories or news reports. You might notice the object-splitting structure '站起(身)来' in more formal texts. B1 learners should also be aware of the metaphorical use of the phrase, such as a business 'standing up' (recovering) after a difficult period.

At the B2 level, '站起来' is understood within the broader context of 'directional complements' (趋向补语). You will study why '起来' is used here specifically—to indicate an upward movement. You will also learn about the abstract meanings of '起来,' such as the start of an action (e.g., 笑起来). This helps you see '站起来' as part of a larger grammatical pattern. B2 learners should be able to use the phrase fluently in debates or discussions, for example, talking about social movements where people 'stand up' for their rights, using the phrase with more nuance and rhetorical flair.

At the C1 level, the focus shifts to the cultural and historical resonance of '站起来.' You will encounter the phrase in political speeches, literature, and historical documents. A key example is the iconic 1949 statement '中国人民站起来了' (The Chinese people have stood up). You will analyze how this simple phrase carries the weight of national identity and sovereignty. C1 learners should be able to use '站起来' in sophisticated ways, perhaps in a speech about resilience or in a literary analysis, understanding its power as a metaphor for dignity and independence in the Chinese linguistic consciousness.

At the C2 level, '站起来' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You will understand all its subtle variations, such as the difference between '站起来', '起身', and '起立' in high-level literature. You can use the phrase to discuss philosophical concepts of 'standing' in the world. C2 learners can play with the phrase in creative writing, using it to evoke specific imagery or emotions. You have a deep understanding of its historical baggage and can use it to make powerful points in academic or professional settings, perfectly matching the register and tone of your audience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

站起来 in 30 Seconds

A common Chinese verb phrase meaning 'to stand up' or 'to rise to one's feet,' composed of 'stand' plus 'upward.'
Used physically for rising from a seat and metaphorically for resilience, recovery, or asserting national and personal independence.
Essential for classroom etiquette, social respect, and understanding basic directional grammar in Mandarin Chinese conversations.
Can be modified to 'stand up' (站起来), 'stood up' (站了起来), or 'cannot stand up' (站不起来).

The Chinese phrase 站起来 (zhàn qǐlái) is a fundamental verbal construction that every learner of Mandarin must master early in their journey. At its most literal level, it translates to "to stand up" or "to rise to one's feet." This is a compound verb structure consisting of the primary verb 站 (zhàn), meaning "to stand," and the directional complement 起来 (qǐlái), which indicates an upward movement or the initiation of an action. Understanding this combination is crucial because it sets the foundation for how Chinese speakers describe physical transitions from a seated or lying position to a vertical one.

Physical Action: The most common usage is describing the physical act of rising. For example, when a teacher enters a classroom, students are often expected to stand up as a sign of respect. In this context, the command is direct and physical.

请大家站起来。 (Qǐng dàjiā zhàn qǐlái.) — Please everyone stand up.

Beyond the physical, 站起来 carries significant metaphorical weight in Chinese culture and history. It can symbolize resilience, recovery, or the act of asserting oneself. When a person recovers from a setback or a nation asserts its sovereignty after a period of struggle, this phrase is frequently employed to denote strength and dignity. It is not just about the legs moving; it is about the spirit rising. This dual nature—the mundane physical act and the profound symbolic meaning—makes it a versatile tool in both daily conversation and formal rhetoric.

Social Etiquette: In Chinese social settings, standing up is a key non-verbal cue. Standing up when an elder or a guest enters a room is a standard practice of 'li' (etiquette). Failing to stand up in these situations might be perceived as a lack of upbringing or respect.

看到老师进来，他立刻站了起来。 (Kàndào lǎoshī jìnlái, tā lìkè zhànle qǐlái.) — Seeing the teacher come in, he immediately stood up.

In a modern context, you will hear this word in fitness classes, during national anthems, or even in political speeches. It is a word of transition, moving from a state of rest or submission to a state of action and presence. Whether you are at a bus stop or a business meeting, knowing when and how to use this phrase allows you to navigate the physical and social landscape of China with greater confidence and accuracy.

Grammatical Structure: Note that 'le' (了) often gets inserted between the verb and the complement (站了起来) to indicate that the action of standing up has already occurred or started. This is a common pattern for resultative and directional complements.

Using 站起来 correctly requires an understanding of Chinese verb-complement structures. Because Chinese is a language that emphasizes the direction and result of an action, simply saying 'stand' (站) is often insufficient to describe the complete motion of rising. You need the 'up' (起来) to complete the picture. In this section, we will explore the various ways this phrase integrates into sentences, from simple imperatives to complex descriptive narratives.

Imperative Usage: When giving a command, '站起来' is used directly. To make it more polite, you should always add '请' (qǐng - please) at the beginning. In a classroom setting, a teacher might say '请站起来回答问题' (Please stand up to answer the question).

不要坐着，快站起来。 (Búyào zuòzhe, kuài zhàn qǐlái.) — Don't stay sitting, stand up quickly.

When describing a past action, the particle 了 (le) is frequently used. However, its placement is specific. Usually, it is placed between 站 and 起来, resulting in 站了起来. This indicates the completion of the transition from sitting to standing. For example, '他从椅子上站了起来' (He stood up from the chair). This specific placement is a hallmark of intermediate Chinese grammar and shows a high level of fluency when used correctly.

Combining with Adverbs: You can modify the action using adverbs like 慢慢地 (mànmàn de - slowly) or 突然 (tūrán - suddenly). For instance, '他慢慢地站了起来' (He slowly stood up) suggests caution or physical difficulty, whereas '他突然站了起来' suggests surprise or urgency.

老人家吃力地从沙发上站了起来。 (Lǎorénjiā chīlì de cóng shāfā shàng zhànle qǐlái.) — The elderly person stood up from the sofa with great effort.

Another important structure involves the use of 得 (de) to describe the manner or ability of the action. While '站得起来' (zhàn de qǐlái) means 'able to stand up,' '站不起来' (zhàn bù qǐlái) means 'unable to stand up.' This potential complement structure is vital for discussing physical health or exhaustion. If someone is very tired, they might say '我累得站不起来了' (I am so tired I can't stand up).

Negative Forms: To say 'don't stand up,' use '别站起来' (bié zhàn qǐlái) or '不要站起来' (búyào zhàn qǐlái). This is common in situations where someone should remain seated for safety or protocol.

In the daily life of a Chinese speaker, 站起来 is a ubiquitous phrase heard in a variety of environments. From the structured atmosphere of a school to the crowded aisles of a public bus, the phrase serves as a functional command, a social signal, and a descriptive tool. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word in the wild and use it appropriately in your own interactions.

In the Classroom: This is perhaps the most common place for learners to hear the word. In many traditional Chinese schools, students stand up when the teacher enters (起立) and often stand up to answer questions. A teacher might say, '请这位同学站起来读一下课文' (Please would this student stand up and read the text).

老师说：“请大家站起来，跟我一起做操。” (Lǎoshī shuō: "Qǐng dàjiā zhàn qǐlái, gēn wǒ yīqǐ zuò cāo.") — The teacher said, "Please stand up and do exercises with me."

Public transportation is another frequent setting. On a crowded bus or subway in Beijing or Shanghai, you might hear a younger person offering their seat to an elderly passenger. While they might not always say '站起来' to themselves, they might say to the elder, '您坐，我站起来就行' (You sit, I'll just stand up/stay standing). Or, if someone is blocking the way, someone might ask them to move or stand elsewhere using related terms.

In Cinema and Drama: In Chinese movies, particularly historical or heroic dramas, '站起来' is used for dramatic effect. When a hero is defeated but refuses to stay down, the supporting characters might shout '站起来!' as a form of encouragement. Here, it translates more to 'Get up!' or 'Stand and fight!'

电影里的英雄大喊：“我们要站起来反抗！” (Diànyǐng lǐ de yīngxióng dàhǎn: "Wǒmen yào zhàn qǐlái fǎnkàng!") — The hero in the movie shouted: "We must stand up and resist!"

In the workplace, during a presentation or a meeting, a speaker might ask the audience to stand up for a break or to participate in an activity. In medical settings, a doctor might ask a patient to '站起来走两步' (stand up and walk a few steps) to check their recovery or physical condition. It is a word that bridges the gap between static rest and active movement in almost every facet of life.

For English speakers, the phrase 站起来 seems straightforward, but there are several linguistic pitfalls that can lead to unnatural or incorrect usage. These mistakes usually stem from a misunderstanding of how Chinese directional complements function or from direct translation from English 'stand up' without considering the specific context of the Chinese words.

Confusing '起来' with '起': A common error is saying just '站起' (zhàn qǐ). While '起' means 'up,' in modern Mandarin, it almost always needs the '来' (lái) to complete the directional phrase unless it's part of a more formal compound like '起立'. Saying '站起' sounds incomplete to a native speaker.

Incorrect: 他站起走了。 (Tā zhàn qǐ zǒu le.)
Correct: 他站起来走了。 (Tā zhàn qǐlái zǒu le.)

Another frequent mistake is the misplacement of the aspect particle 了 (le). In English, we say 'stood up,' where the past tense is applied to the whole phrase. In Chinese, as mentioned before, the 'le' usually goes in the middle: 站了起来. Putting it at the end (站起来了) is also grammatically correct but often changes the meaning to 'has stood up' or indicates a change of state, rather than just describing the past action of rising.

Mixing up '站起来' and '起来': Learners sometimes use '起来' by itself to mean 'stand up.' While '起来' can mean 'get up' (as in getting out of bed), it is broader. '站起来' specifically specifies the posture of standing. If you want someone to stand up from a chair, '站起来' is much more precise than just '起来'.

Incorrect: 医生叫我起来。 (The doctor told me to get up - ambiguous)
Correct: 医生叫我站起来。 (The doctor told me to stand up - specific posture)

Finally, watch out for the 'potential complement' form. Many students forget to use '得' (de) or '不' (bu) when talking about ability. If you say '我不能站起来' (Wǒ bùnéng zhàn qǐlái), it's okay, but '我站不起来' (Wǒ zhàn bù qǐlái) is much more idiomatic and common when expressing a physical inability to rise.

While 站起来 is the most common way to say 'stand up,' Mandarin offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality, the specific movement involved, or the context of the situation. Knowing these synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right occasion and improve your reading comprehension.

起立 (qǐlì): This is a more formal version of 'stand up.' It is most commonly heard in schools or formal ceremonies. When a class monitor shouts '起立!', all students stand up at once. It is a command for a group to stand in unison.
起身 (qǐshēn): Literally 'to raise the body.' This is slightly more formal than '站起来' and is often used in written narratives or polite conversation. It describes the act of leaving one's seat, often to depart or to greet someone. '他起身告辞' (He stood up to take his leave).
起来 (qǐlái): A general term for 'getting up.' It can refer to getting out of bed (起床), sitting up from a lying position, or standing up. It is less specific about the final posture than '站起来'.

比较 (Comparison):
1. 大家都站起来了。 (Everyone stood up - neutral/physical)
2. 班长喊道：“起立！” (The monitor shouted, "Stand up!" - formal/command)

In some contexts, you might also encounter 挺身 (tǐngshēn), which means to 'thrust one's body forward' or 'stand tall.' This is often used in the idiom '挺身而出' (tǐngshēn ér chū), meaning to step forward bravely to help in a crisis. While it involves standing, the focus is on the bravery and the action of intervening rather than the simple posture change.

站住 (zhànzhù): Often confused with 站起来, this actually means 'Stop!' or 'Stand still!' The complement '住' indicates staying in place, whereas '起来' indicates moving upward. Don't tell someone to '站住' if you want them to rise from a chair!

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '站' was actually used as a loanword from Mongolian during the Yuan Dynasty to mean a 'postal station' or 'relay station', which is why today it means both 'to stand' and 'a station'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʂân tɕʰì lái/

US /tʂân tɕʰi laɪ/

The primary stress is on 'zhàn', with 'qǐ' and 'lái' following as a directional unit. In common speech, 'lái' is often neutralized.

Rhymes With

看 (kàn) 办 (bàn) 万 (wàn) 买 (mǎi) 快 (kuài) 改 (gǎi) 海 (hǎi) 带 (dài)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zh' like 'z' (as in 'zebra').
Pronouncing 'qi' like 'ki' (as in 'kite').
Failing to make 'zhàn' a sharp falling 4th tone.
Making 'lái' too heavy when it should be light in this compound.
Misplacing the third tone on 'qǐ'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple (A2 level), but the compound structure must be recognized.

Writing 3/5

Writing '站' requires several strokes, and '起来' is common but requires practice.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, though tones must be clear.

Listening 2/5

Easily recognizable in classroom and social contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

站 (zhàn) 起 (qǐ) 来 (lái) 坐 (zuò) 请 (qǐng)

Learn Next

坐下 (zuòxià) 走 (zǒu) 跑 (pǎo) 跳 (tiào) 起来 (qǐlái - as a general complement)

Advanced

挺身而出 (tǐngshēn ér chū) 起立 (qǐlì) 起身 (qǐshēn) 屹立 (yìlì) 站稳 (zhànwěn)

Grammar to Know

Directional Complement (起来)

站 + 起来 indicates an upward movement.

Aspect Particle (了) in Complements

站了起来 shows the action started/completed.

Potential Complement (得/不)

站得起来 (can stand) vs 站不起来 (cannot stand).

Separable Complements

站起(身)来 - an object can split the complement.

Imperative Politeness

Adding '请' makes the command '站起来' polite.

Examples by Level

请站起来。

Please stand up.

A simple imperative sentence using '请' for politeness.

我不站起来。

I am not standing up.

Negative form using '不'.

你站起来吗？

Are you standing up?

A simple question using the 'ma' particle.

老师请大家站起来。

The teacher asked everyone to stand up.

Subject + Verb + Object + Verb structure.

站起来，跟我走。

Stand up and come with me.

A sequence of two actions.

他站起来了。

He has stood up.

The 'le' at the end indicates a change of state.

我们要站起来。

We need to stand up.

Using the modal verb '要' (need/want).

谁站起来了？

Who stood up?

Question using the interrogative pronoun '谁' (who).

他慢慢地站了起来。

He stood up slowly.

Adverb '慢慢地' + '站了起来' (completed action).

快站起来，车来了！

Stand up quickly, the bus is coming!

Adverb '快' used before the verb for urgency.

他从沙发上站了起来。

He stood up from the sofa.

Using '从...上' to specify the starting point.

医生让我站起来走一走。

The doctor had me stand up and walk a bit.

Causative verb '让' (let/have).

请大家站起来唱歌。

Please everyone stand up to sing.

Standing up for the purpose of doing another action.

小猫也站了起来。

The kitten stood up too.

Using '也' (also) to add information.

他没站起来，他坐着。

He didn't stand up; he is sitting.

Negative past action using '没'.

你为什么不站起来？

Why don't you stand up?

Question using '为什么' (why).

我累得站不起来了。

I'm so tired I can't stand up.

Potential complement '站不起来' (cannot stand up).

只要你努力，就能站起来。

As long as you work hard, you can stand up (recover).

Metaphorical use for recovery/success.

他想站起来，但是腿没力气。

He wanted to stand up, but his legs had no strength.

Contrast using '但是' (but).

你站得起来吗？需要帮忙吗？

Can you stand up? Do you need help?

Potential complement question '站得起来吗'.

看到国旗，大家自发地站了起来。

Seeing the national flag, everyone stood up spontaneously.

Adverb '自发地' (spontaneously).

他站起身来，向大家点点头。

He stood up and nodded to everyone.

Formal structure '站起身来'.

受伤后，他花了三个月才站起来。

After being injured, it took him three months to stand up.

Describing the duration and effort of an action.

别坐着了，站起来活动活动。

Don't sit anymore; stand up and move around a bit.

Using '活动活动' (reduplication for casual action).

在困难面前，我们必须站起来。

In the face of difficulties, we must stand up (be resilient).

Metaphorical usage in a formal context.

他挣扎着从地上站了起来。

He struggled to stand up from the ground.

Verb '挣扎' (struggle) + '着' indicating manner.

这个民族终于站起来了。

This nation has finally stood up (become independent).

Political/historical metaphorical usage.

一旦他站起来，就不会再坐下。

Once he stands up, he won't sit down again.

Conditional structure '一旦...就'.

他由于激动而猛地站了起来。

He stood up abruptly because of excitement.

Cause-effect '由于...而' and adverb '猛地' (abruptly).

请大家站起来，为受难者默哀。

Please stand up and observe a moment of silence for the victims.

Formal request for a ritualistic action.

他虽然老了，但依然能站起来。

Although he is old, he can still stand up.

Concession structure '虽然...但'.

站起来说话，别躲在后面。

Stand up and speak; don't hide in the back.

Using the action to imply asserting oneself.

中国人民从此站起来了。

The Chinese people have stood up from this day forth.

Iconic historical quote; '从此' means 'from now on'.

他以顽强的毅力再次站了起来。

With tenacious perseverance, he stood up once again.

Prepositional phrase '以...毅力' (with...perseverance).

在真理面前，他勇敢地站了起来。

In the face of truth, he bravely stood up (to speak/act).

Abstract usage meaning 'taking a stand'.

这种精神激励着每一个站起来的人。

This spirit inspires everyone who stands up.

Using '站起来' as an attributive clause modifying '人'.

他站起身来，整理了一下笔挺的西装。

He stood up and adjusted his crisp suit.

Literary description with '站起身来' and '笔挺' (stiff/crisp).

唯有站起来，才能看到更远的风景。

Only by standing up can one see the further scenery.

Philosophical usage; '唯有...才能' (only if... then).

他感觉到一种力量让他必须站起来。

He felt a power that compelled him to stand up.

Complex sentence with nested clauses.

这一举动象征着弱势群体的站起来。

This move symbolizes the rising (standing up) of vulnerable groups.

Using the phrase as a gerund-like noun phrase.

他在那一刻站了起来，仿佛承载了整个时代的重量。

He stood up at that moment, as if carrying the weight of an entire era.

Highly literary and metaphorical language.

无论历史如何变迁，站起来的姿态永远是最美的。

No matter how history changes, the posture of standing up is always the most beautiful.

Abstract philosophical reflection.

他站起身来，目光如炬，直视着前方的挑战。

He stood up, his gaze like a torch, staring directly at the challenges ahead.

Use of '目光如炬' (gaze like a torch) for intensity.

这种站起来的勇气，是任何困难都无法磨灭的。

This courage to stand up is something no difficulty can erase.

Using the action as a specific quality (courage to stand up).

他缓慢而庄重地站了起来，全场顿时鸦雀无声。

He stood up slowly and solemnly; the whole venue immediately became silent.

Describing atmosphere and manner; '鸦雀无声' is an idiom for silence.

站起来，不仅是身体的位移，更是灵魂的觉醒。

Standing up is not just a physical displacement, but an awakening of the soul.

Deep philosophical contrast using '不仅是...更是'.

在那个黑暗的年代，是他率先站了起来，指引了方向。

In that dark era, it was he who first stood up and pointed the way.

Focusing on '率先' (first/to take the lead).

他站了起来，这一简单的动作在此时却重如千钧。

He stood up; this simple action, at this moment, was as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Use of idiom '重如千钧' (heavy as a thousand pounds).

Common Collocations

立刻站起来

慢慢站起来

挣扎着站起来

勇敢地站起来

站起来回答

站不起来

站得起来

从椅子上站起来

猛地站起来

自发地站起来

Common Phrases

站起来！

— A direct command to stand up. Used by teachers, coaches, or in urgent situations.

别睡了，站起来！

站不起来

— Unable to stand up. Used for physical weakness or extreme exhaustion.

他病得很重，站不起来。

站得起来

— Able to stand up. Indicates physical capability or recovery.

医生说他明天就能站得起来了。

站起身来

— A more formal way to say stand up. Often used in stories.

他站起身来，走出了房间。

站起来反抗

— To stand up and resist. A common political or social idiom.

受压迫的人民站起来反抗了。

站起来说话

— Stand up and speak. Often implies speaking with courage or taking responsibility.

有意见就站起来说话。

快站起来

— Stand up quickly. Used to urge someone to move.

快站起来，别挡路。

让他站起来

— Let him stand up / Make him stand up. Used for assistance or command.

快扶他一把，让他站起来。

站起来了

— Has stood up. Indicates the completion of the action or a change in state.

看，小宝宝站起来了！

请站起来

— Please stand up. The polite way to ask someone to rise.

请站起来，我们要合影。

Often Confused With

站起来 vs 站住

Means 'Stop' or 'Stay still', not 'Stand up'.

站起来 vs 起床

Specifically means 'Get out of bed', while 站起来 is for any standing action.

站起来 vs 坐下

The opposite action: 'Sit down'.

Idioms & Expressions

"挺身而出"

— To step forward bravely in a crisis. While not using '站起来' directly, it is the idiomatic equivalent of 'standing up' for a cause.

在危难时刻，他挺身而出。

Idiomatic/Formal

"顶天立地"

— Standing with head in the sky and feet on the earth. Describes a person of great integrity and courage.

他是一个顶天立地的男子汉。

Idiomatic/Literary

"不屈不挠"

— Unyielding and persistent. Often associated with the spirit of 'standing up' after failure.

他凭着不屈不挠的精神站了起来。

Idiomatic

"东山再起"

— To make a comeback. Related to the metaphorical 'standing up' after a defeat.

他希望能东山再起。

Idiomatic

"昂首挺胸"

— With head held high and chest out. Describes the posture of someone who has 'stood up' with pride.

他昂首挺胸地走进了办公室。

Idiomatic

"卓然而立"

— To stand out from the crowd; to be outstanding.

他在学术界卓然而立。

Literary

"如松屹立"

— Standing firm like a pine tree. Describes unwavering stability.

战士们如松屹立在边境。

Literary

"奋起直追"

— To rise up and catch up. To 'stand up' and start pursuing a goal vigorously.

落后了没关系，我们要奋起直追。

Idiomatic

"自强不息"

— Constantly striving for self-improvement. The internal drive that allows one to 'stand up'.

中华民族具有自强不息的精神。

Idiomatic

"屹立不倒"

— To stand firm and never fall. Used for buildings, nations, or spirits.

这座古塔在地震中屹立不倒。

Formal

Easily Confused

站起来 vs 起立

Both mean stand up.

起立 is a formal command for a group; 站起来 is a general physical description.

老师说：‘同学们，起立！’

站起来 vs 起身

Both describe the act of rising.

起身 is more elegant/literary and often implies leaving or preparing to leave.

他起身送客。

站起来 vs 起来

起来 is part of 站起来.

起来 is a general 'get up' (from bed/lying down); 站起来 specifically results in a standing posture.

该起来吃早饭了。

站起来 vs 站立

Both involve standing.

站立 is a state (to be standing); 站起来 is the action (to become standing).

他一直站立在雨中。

站起来 vs 站位

Contains '站'.

站位 refers to one's position or stance in a game or a debate.

球员的站位很重要。

Sentence Patterns

请 + [Verb Phrase]

请站起来。

[Subject] + 从 + [Place] + 站起来

他从椅子上站起来。

[Subject] + [Adjective] + 得 + 站不起来

我累得站不起来。

[Subject] + 站了起来

他站了起来。

为了 + [Goal] + 站起来

为了自由，他们站了起来。

[Subject] + 站起身来 + [Action]

他站起身来，向大家敬酒。

[Abstract Subject] + 站起来了

正义终于站起来了。

象征着 + [Noun Phrase] + 的站起来

这象征着民族的站起来。

Word Family

Nouns

站 (station/stop)

车站 (bus/train station)

站台 (platform)

Verbs

站 (to stand)

站立 (to stand up/be standing)

站住 (to stop/stand still)

起立 (to stand up - formal)

Adjectives

笔挺 (standing straight/stiff)

屹立 (towering/firmly standing)

起来 (up/get up)

起身 (rise/get up)

起床 (get out of bed)

起飞 (take off)

起跑 (start running)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily and formal Mandarin.

Common Mistakes

他站起。 → 他站起来。
In modern Chinese, the directional complement '起来' is required to describe the action of standing up.
我不能站起来。 → 我站不起来。
While '不能' is understood, '站不起来' is the idiomatic way to express physical inability.
站起来住！ → 站住！
'站住' means 'Stop!'. '站起来' means 'Stand up'. They are not interchangeable.
他站起来了椅子。 → 他从椅子上站了起来。
You cannot put the chair as a direct object of '站起来'. Use a prepositional phrase with '从'.
老师进来了，起立起来。 → 老师进来了，起立。
'起立' already contains the meaning of rising; adding '起来' is redundant.

Tips

The 'Le' Rule

When describing a specific past event, put '了' in the middle: '他站了起来'. If you're announcing a new ability, put it at the end: '他终于能站起来了！'

Respecting Elders

In China, always stand up (站起来) when an elderly person enters the room or when you are introduced to someone senior. It shows great character.

Natural Rhythm

Say 'zhàn' clearly and let 'qǐlai' follow quickly like a tail. This makes you sound more like a native speaker.

Character Stroke Order

Pay attention to the '立' radical in '站'. It means 'stand' and appears in many related words like '起立' and '建立'.

Dinner Table

If you need to reach for a dish far away, it's better to ask someone to pass it rather than '站起来' to reach across the table.

Beyond Standing

Learn '起来' as a general complement. It's used in '笑起来' (start laughing) and '想起来' (remember).

Historical Context

Knowing the phrase '中国人民站起来了' will help you understand many political references in Chinese media.

Neutral Tone

Don't be confused if you don't hear a clear rising tone on 'lái'. It's often neutralized in the 'qǐlai' suffix.

Potential Form

Master '站不起来' for when you're exhausted. It's much more common than saying '我不能站'.

Stationary to Moving

Think of '站' (station). A station is where you wait. When the train comes, you '起来' (get up) from the station.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a person sitting at a bus STOP (站 - station/stand). Suddenly, they see their friend and they RISE (起) and COME (来) towards them. 站 + 起 + 来 = Stand Up.

Visual Association

Visualize a vertical arrow pointing upwards from a chair. The arrow represents '起来' and the person at the base represents '站'.

Word Web

站 (Stand) 坐 (Sit) 躺 (Lie) 起 (Rise) 来 (Come) 去 (Go) 上 (Up) 下 (Down)

Challenge

Try to say '站起来' every time you stand up today. If you are sitting with a friend, ask them '你能站起来吗?' (Can you stand up?)

Word Origin

The character '站' (zhàn) originally meant to stop or stand still. It is composed of the 'stand' radical (立) and the phonetic 'zhān' (占). The compound '站起来' developed as Mandarin evolved to use directional complements to clarify the specific nature of an action.

Original meaning: To stand up from a sitting or lying position.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be aware that telling someone to '站起来' in a loud or sharp tone can be perceived as very rude or aggressive, similar to 'Get up!' in English. Use '请' (please) to remain polite.

In English, 'stand up' can also mean 'to fail to show up for a date' (He stood me up). In Chinese, '站起来' NEVER has this meaning. To say someone was stood up, use '被放鸽子' (bèi fàng gēzi).

Mao Zedong's 1949 speech: '中国人民从此站起来了' (The Chinese people have stood up from this day forth). The Chinese National Anthem lyrics: '起来！不愿做奴隶的人们！' (Arise! Ye who refuse to be slaves!) - uses the related '起来'. Common classroom command: '老师好' (Hello Teacher) usually follows the '起立' (Stand up) command.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Classroom

老师好，请起立。
站起来回答问题。
请大家站起来。
不要坐着说话。

Medical/Physical Therapy

你能站起来吗？
慢慢站起来，别着急。
他现在还站不起来。
试着站起来走走。

Public Transport

我站起来给你坐。
请站起来让个座。
他站起来下车了。
大家都站起来等开门。

Social/Political

我们要站起来反抗。
他勇敢地站了起来。
中国人民站起来了。
为了正义站起来。

Sports/Fitness

站起来，继续跑！
深蹲后站起来。
站起来活动肌肉。
快点站起来，别放弃。

Conversation Starters

"你累得站不起来了吗？ (Are you so tired you can't stand up?)"

"我们可以站起来合影吗？ (Can we stand up to take a photo?)"

"你觉得那个国家什么时候能站起来？ (When do you think that country can 'stand up'?)"

"看到老师，你通常会站起来吗？ (Do you usually stand up when seeing a teacher?)"

"你最长能站立多久不坐下？ (How long can you stand without sitting down?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你因为累而站不起来的经历。 (Describe a time when you were so tired you couldn't stand up.)

谈谈你对“中国人民站起来了”这句话的理解。 (Talk about your understanding of the phrase 'The Chinese people have stood up'.)

写一个故事，关于一个终于站起来行走的小孩。 (Write a story about a child who finally stood up and walked.)

你认为在什么情况下，人们必须站起来说话？ (In what situations do you think people must stand up and speak?)

比较一下“站起来”和“起立”在不同场景的使用。 (Compare the usage of '站起来' and '起立' in different scenarios.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '站起' sounds incomplete. You must use '站起来' or '站起身来' in modern Mandarin to describe the action of standing up.

'站了起来' describes the completed action of rising. '站起来了' often emphasizes a change of state (e.g., a baby who couldn't walk before now can stand up).

It is neutral. To make it polite, add '请' (Qǐng) at the beginning: '请站起来'.

Generally no. It is for people or animals. For objects like a fallen pole, you would say '把杆子扶起来' (Help the pole up).

The most common way is '我站不起来' (Wǒ zhàn bù qǐlái).

Yes, but formal commands like '全体起立' are more common for drills and ceremonies.

No. For that, use '支持' (support) or '维护' (defend).

Originally 2nd tone, but it often becomes a neutral tone (qǐlai) in this compound.

Yes, it can mean a nation or person becoming strong and independent.

No. If you have an object like 'person', it doesn't fit there. You would say '让那个人站起来'.