Verb + 下去 (continuous)
HSK 5- Complements
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The complement `下去` is placed after a verb to indicate that an action will continue from the present into the future.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
下去 here does not mean "go down" in a physical directional sense, but is used as a directional complement with a figurative meaning. It expresses an action or state that has already begun and will continue into the future. Think of it as a way of saying "to keep doing something."
The negative form commonly used is V + 不 + 下去, meaning "cannot continue doing something" (due to tiredness, boredom, or an obstacle).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 你说下去吧，我在听。繁: 你說下去吧，我在聽。Nǐ shuō xiàqù ba, wǒ zài tīng.
Go ahead and keep talking, I'm listening.
- 我想在这个城市住下去。繁: 我想在這個城市住下去。Wǒ xiǎng zài zhège chéngshì zhù xiàqù.
I want to continue living in this city.
- 虽然很难，但我要学下去。繁: 雖然很難，但我要學下去。Suīrán hěn nán, dàn wǒ yào xué xiàqù.
Although it is very difficult, I want to continue learning.
- 你再这样吃下去会变胖的。繁: 你再這樣吃下去會變胖的。Nǐ zài zhèyàng chī xiàqù huì biàn pàng de.
If you keep eating like this, you'll become fat.
- 这本书太无聊了，我看不下去了。繁: 這本書太無聊了，我看不下去了。Zhè běn shū tài wúliáo le, wǒ kàn bu xiàqù le.
This book is too boring, I can't keep reading it anymore.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我想读下去这本书。Correct:我想把这本书读下去。
Objects typically do not follow `下去`. Use a `把` construction to place the object before the verb, or omit the object if the context is clear.