来着láizhe

Sentence-Final Particle 来着 (láizhe): Just now / What was it again...?

Meaning: Did [verb] recently; "...again?" (trying to recall)

Pattern

来着 is a lively colloquial sentence-final particle with two primary functions in HSK 5: (1) In questions (especially wh-questions), it shows the speaker knew something before but has momentarily forgotten it and is trying to jog their memory ("...again?", e.g., 他叫什么名字来着？ — "What was his name again?").
(2) In statements or yes-no confirmations (often with time words like 刚才 or 昨天), it indicates an event that took place in the recent past (e.g., 你刚才叫我来着？ — "Were you calling me just now?").
Never combine 来着 with sentence-final 了 in the same clause, and avoid using it in formal written essays.

1
你刚才叫我来着？我没听清。
Nǐ gāngcái jiào wǒ láizhe? Wǒ méi tīng qīng.
Were you calling me just now? I didn't hear clearly.
2
我们昨天聊什么来着？我有点忘了。
Wǒmen zuótiān liáo shénme láizhe? Wǒ yǒudiǎn wàng le.
What were we chatting about yesterday again? I've kind of forgotten.
3
他叫什么名字来着？想不起来了。
Tā jiào shénme míngzi láizhe? Xiǎng bù qǐlái le.
What was his name again? I can't remember it now.

•Used only at the end of colloquial clauses to recall recent events; do not combine with 了 in the same clause.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Combining 来着 and 了 in the same verb clause (*我昨天看见了他来着).

•Using colloquial 来着 in formal academic or official writing.

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 5 to master all skills together.