起来qǐlái

Directional Complement 起来 (qǐlái) – Upward, Inchoative, Appraisal

Meaning: Complement indicating upward motion, beginning, or evaluation

Pattern

The directional complement 起来 (qǐlái) is exceptionally versatile.
First, it literally indicates upward movement: 站起来 (stand up) and 拿起来 (pick up).
Second, it acts as an inchoative marker denoting that an action or state has started and will continue: 笑起来 (burst into laughter) and 哭起来 (start crying).
Third, when attached to perception verbs (看, 听, 吃), it introduces an appraisal or impression: 看起来 (looks / appears), 吃起来 (tastes), and 听起来

1
请大家站起来。
Qǐng dàjiā zhàn qǐlái.
Please stand up, everyone.
2
听到这个消息,他笑了起来。
Tīng dào zhège xiāoxi, tā xiào le qǐlái.
Hearing this news, he burst into laughter.
3
这个苹果吃起来很甜。
Zhège píngguǒ chī qǐlái hěn tián.
This apple tastes very sweet.

•Patterns like 看起来 and 吃起来 are extremely common for stating subjective impressions.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Do not confuse 起来 (upward motion / onset) with 上来 (upward motion toward speaker).

•Incorrect: 站起来房间。 → Contextual preposition required (e.g., 在房间里站起来).

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 3 to master all skills together.