HSK 4Grammar

Directional Complements

来, 去, 上来, 出去… motion in detail

来 and 去: towards oneself or away from oneself

After a verb of motion, 来 (lái) = towards the speaker, 去 (qù) = moving away. The entire directional system rests on this duo.

Verb + 来/去

He came back (towards me).

She went out (away from me).

Combine direction (上,下,进,出,回,起) + orientation (来/去): “come up towards me”, “go out away from me”… The place object is inserted before 来/去.

Verb + 上/下/进/出/回/起 + 来/去

He came in (walking, towards me).

Take the book out, please.

Everyone stood up.

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