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离合词

HSK 3
  • Other

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Verb (V)Object (O). When transformed: Verb (V)[other component]Object (O).

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Separable verbs are words that can be split apart to insert other elements in between, for example 见面 (to meet) or 睡觉 (to sleep).

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

Separable verbs (离合词) are words that look like a single verb but are in fact a Verb + Object compound. For example, 见面 is 见 (to meet) + 面 (face); 睡觉 is 睡 (to sleep) + 觉 (sleep).

Because the object is already built in, you cannot add another object directly after the verb. Instead, elements such as the particle 了, 过, duration complements, or frequency markers must be inserted between the two components. You can also reduplicate the verb in the AAB pattern, e.g. 见见面 (to meet briefly).

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 我们见个面吧。
    繁: 我們見個面吧。Wǒmen jiàn ge miàn ba.

    Let's meet up.

  2. 我睡了八个小时觉。
    繁: 我睡了八個小時覺。Wǒ shuì le bā ge xiǎoshí jiào.

    I slept for eight hours.

  3. 你能帮我一个忙吗？
    繁: 你能幫我一個忙嗎？Nǐ néng bāng wǒ yí ge máng ma?

    Can you do me a favor?

  4. 他们聊了很久的天。
    繁: 他們聊了很久的天。Tāmen liáo le hěn jiǔ de tiān.

    They chatted for a very long time.

  5. 别生我的气了。
    繁: 別生我的氣了。Bié shēng wǒ de qì le.

    Don't be angry with me anymore.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我见面他。
    Correct:我跟他见面。

    Since `面` is already the object, you cannot add another object `他` after it; you must use a preposition like `跟` or `和` to introduce the person involved.

  • Wrong:我睡觉了八个小时。
    Correct:我睡了八个小时觉。

    The duration complement (eight hours) must be inserted between the verb `睡` and the object `觉`.

  • Wrong:我帮忙他。
    Correct:我帮他的忙。

    Cannot add the object `他` directly after `帮忙`. Must separate `帮忙` and insert `他` between them.