复合趋向补语fùhé qūxiàng bǔyǔ

Compound Directional Complements (Metaphorical 起来, 下去, 出来)

Meaning: Metaphorical usages of compound directionals (onset, continuation, recognition)

Pattern

In HSK 4, compound directional complements (复合趋向补语) frequently evolve into abstract grammaticalized aspectual markers beyond their literal physical trajectories: \ (1) 起来 (qǐlai): \ - Inception and continuation of an action or state ('start to'): 笑起来 (burst into laughter), 下起雨来 (start raining); \ - Sensory judgment and evaluation: 看起来 (looks like / seems), 听起来 (sounds like); \ - Recall from memory: 想起来 (remember / recall).
\ (2) 下去 (xiàqu): \ - Continuation of an existing action into the future ('keep on doing'): 说下去

1
听到这个笑话，他笑了起来。
Tīngdào zhège xiàohua, tā xiào le qǐlái.
Hearing this joke, he burst into laughter.
2
请你继续说下去。
Qǐng nǐ jìxù shuō xiàqù.
Please continue speaking.
3
我终于想出来一个好办法。
Wǒ zhōngyú xiǎng chūlái yī gè hǎo bànfǎ.
I finally came up with a good idea.
4
看起来他今天心情不太好。

•起来 = inception / appears to be; 下去 = continuation; 出来 = discernment / discovery.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Interpreting compound directionals exclusively in their literal spatial sense instead of their abstract meanings.

•Incorrectly placing noun objects at the wrong position relative to compound directionals (e.g., failing to split 起来).

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 4 to master all skills together.