HSK 4
趋向补语3
qū xiàng bǔ yǔ 3
Directional complement 3 (resultative meaning)
Explanation
This is an extended usage of the directional complement (a component after the verb indicating the direction of the action — 趋向补语 qūxiàng bǔyǔ), but here the directional characters do NOT indicate a real direction of movement but rather the RESULT of the action.
verb + 上/出/起/下 + (object). The object is the target affected by the action (e.g. 'window' in 'close the window').
each character carries its own resultative nuance — 上 shàng: to close/attach, to fix in place (关上 = to close). 出 chū: to make appear, to bring out (说出 = to speak out). 起 qǐ: to recall, to build up (想起 = to remember, 建立起 = to build up). 下 xià: to keep, to leave behind (留下 = to leave behind).
misinterpreting 上/出/起/下 as directions of movement (up/out/up-rise/down) and thus translating incorrectly; in this usage they only indicate results. The object is usually placed AFTER the whole verb + complement phrase (关上窗户), so don't insert it in the middle.
Examples
Please close the windows when you leave the classroom.
He spoke out his own wishes to his parents.
He finally remembered the situation at that time.
They built up a close friendship.
Please leave your address and mobile phone number.
Practice
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Learn “趋向补语3” effectively
The grammar point “趋向补语3” (Directional complement 3 (resultative meaning)) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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