来 (purpose)
HSK 4- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Use `来` between two verbs, where the second verb expresses the purpose of the first.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This structure is used to connect two actions, where the first action is the means or method for carrying out the second action (the purpose). 来 here functions similarly to "in order to" or "so as to" in English. It helps clarify the means–purpose relationship between the two clauses. This structure is very common in both spoken and written language.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 我用手机来学习中文。繁: 我用手機來學習中文。Wǒ yòng shǒujī lái xuéxí Zhōngwén.
I use a phone to study Chinese.
- 他通过运动来减轻压力。繁: 他通過運動來減輕壓力。Tā tōngguò yùndòng lái jiǎnqīng yālì.
He relieves stress through exercise.
- 我们开会来讨论这个问题。繁: 我們開會來討論這個問題。Wǒmen kāihuì lái tǎolùn zhège wèntí.
We held a meeting to discuss this issue.
- 公司用奖金来鼓励员工。繁: 公司用獎金來鼓勵員工。Gōngsī yòng jiǎngjīn lái gǔlì yuángōng.
The company uses bonuses to encourage employees.
- 你可以唱歌来放松一下。繁: 你可以唱歌來放鬆一下。Nǐ kěyǐ chànggē lái fàngsōng yíxià.
You can sing a song to relax a bit.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我用钱来那本书。Correct:我用钱来买那本书。
After 来, there must be a verb or verb phrase indicating purpose; it cannot be a noun.
- Wrong:我去食堂来吃饭。Correct:我去食堂吃饭。
When the first verb (such as `去`) already implies purpose, it is usually unnecessary to add `来` again to avoid making the sentence wordy and unnatural.