Verb + 起来 (extended)

HSK 5

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Verb起来(Adjective/Comment)

Used to indicate that an action is beginning to take place, or to offer an evaluation or comment about a matter.

The complement 起来 has two main, very common meanings:

Beginning an action: Expresses that an action or state is starting and may continue. For example, 天突然下起雨来了 (It suddenly started raining).
Making an assessment: Used after sensory verbs (look, listen, eat, smell, etc.) to give an impression or judgment. 看起来 (looks like/seems), 听起来 (sounds like), 吃起来 (tastes like when eaten)...

天气慢慢冷起来了。
繁: 天氣慢慢冷起來了。Tiānqì mànmàn lěng qǐlái le.
The weather is gradually getting cold.
他说完，大家都笑起来了。
繁: 他說完，大家都笑起來了。Tā shuō wán, dàjiā dōu xiào qǐlái le.
After he finished speaking, everyone burst out laughing.
这件衣服看起来很漂亮。
繁: 這件衣服看起來很漂亮。Zhè jiàn yīfu kàn qǐlái hěn piàoliang.
This piece of clothing looks very beautiful.
这个办法听起来不错。
繁: 這個辦法聽起來不錯。Zhège bànfǎ tīng qǐlái búcuò.
This approach sounds pretty good.
这个西瓜吃起来很甜。
繁: 這個西瓜吃起來很甜。Zhège xīguā chī qǐlái hěn tián.
This watermelon tastes very sweet.

Wrong:他唱歌起来了。
Correct:他唱起歌来了。
When a verb has an object, the object is usually placed between the verb and 起来.
Wrong:这个问题想起来很难。
Correct:这个问题看起来很难。
When evaluating, 起来 typically goes with sensory verbs such as 看, 听, 吃. 想 (to think) is not appropriate in this structure.