Verb + 下来 (durative)

HSK 5

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Verb下来

Used after a verb to indicate an action moving from top to bottom, or a state becoming fixed or settled.

The directional complement 下来 has two main meanings:

Literal meaning: Movement from a higher place to a lower place. For example: 走下来 (walk down), 跳下来 (jump down).
Figurative meaning: Describes an action or state that gradually becomes stable, fixed, or recorded. This usage is more common at advanced levels. For example: 停下来 (stop and stay still), 安静下来 (become quiet), 记下来 (write/note down). It can also indicate something passed down from the past to the present.

他从树上跳下来了。
繁: 他從樹上跳下來了。Tā cóng shù shàng tiào xiàlái le.
He jumped down from the tree.
听到这个消息，他冷静下来了。
繁: 聽到這個消息，他冷靜下來了。Tīngdào zhège xiāoxi, tā lěngjìng xiàlái le.
Upon hearing this news, he calmed down.
请把你的名字写下来。
繁: 請把你的名字寫下來。Qǐng bǎ nǐ de míngzi xiě xiàlái.
Please write down your name.
雨终于停下来了。
繁: 雨終於停下來了。Yǔ zhōngyú tíng xiàlái le.
The rain finally stopped.
这个传统流传下来了。
繁: 這個傳統流傳下來了。Zhège chuántǒng liúchuán xiàlái le.
This tradition has been passed down.

Wrong:请你安静下去。
Correct:请你安静下来。
下来 indicates a stable state or settling down, while 下去 indicates continuation into the future (e.g., continuing to speak — 说下去).
Wrong:我下来记老师的话。
Correct:我把老师的话记下来了。
下来 is a complement and must come immediately after the verb it modifies, in this case 记 (to record).