Verb + 起
HSK 3- Complements
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Verb起 (来)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Resultative complement 起 is used after a verb to indicate that an action is beginning or a new state is emerging.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
Uses 起 as a resultative complement after a verb to express two main meanings:
- The beginning of an action: The action has just started and may continue. E.g.:
唱起(burst into song),聊起(start chatting). - Upward directional movement: Describes an action directed upward. E.g.:
站起(stand up),拿起(pick up).
In many cases, 起 is often paired with 来 to form 起来 for a more natural expression, especially with verbs describing bodily actions.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他说起以前的故事。繁: 他說起以前的故事。Tā shuō qǐ yǐqián de gùshi.
He began to tell stories from the past.
- 妹妹唱起了一首歌。Mèimei chàng qǐ le yì shǒu gē.
The younger sister sang a song.
- 他拿起桌上的笔。繁: 他拿起桌上的筆。Tā ná qǐ zhuō shàng de bǐ.
He picked up the pen on the desk.
- 我想起一个好主意。繁: 我想起一個好主意。Wǒ xiǎng qǐ yí ge hǎo zhǔyi.
I came up with a good idea.
- 请你站起来回答问题。繁: 請你站起來回答問題。Qǐng nǐ zhàn qǐlái huídá wèntí.
Please stand up to answer the question.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我起看书。Correct:我开始看书。
起 is a complement that must follow a verb. To express "begin to do something," use the verb 开始.
- Wrong:他站起。Correct:他站起来了。
With action verbs like 站 (stand) and 起, 来 is often added to form 起来 to express the completion of an action, making the sentence more natural.