Difference between revisions of "Using "lai" and "qu" when "verbing around""

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{{Grammar Box}}
 
{{Grammar Box}}
This structure can be used if want to say you are "verbing without a particular goal". The same verb is repeated before the 来(lái)  and 去 (qù). So for example, 走来走去 is a bit like "pacing backwards and forwards".
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This structure can be used if want to say you are "verbing without a clear direction". It's sort of like "verbing this way and that." The same verb is repeated before the 来(lái)  and 去 (qù). So for example, 走来走去 is a bit like "walking here and there" or "walking this way and that."
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==Structure==
  
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
<div class="jiegou">
 
verb + 来 + verb + 去
 
verb + 来 + verb + 去
 
</div>
 
</div>
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==Examples==
  
 
In a sentence, this structure looks like this:
 
In a sentence, this structure looks like this:

Revision as of 14:54, 2 August 2012

This structure can be used if want to say you are "verbing without a clear direction". It's sort of like "verbing this way and that." The same verb is repeated before the 来(lái) and 去 (qù). So for example, 走来走去 is a bit like "walking here and there" or "walking this way and that."

Structure

verb + 来 + verb + 去

Examples

In a sentence, this structure looks like this:

  • 学生们 都 很 紧张,在 考场 外面 走 来 走 去
  • 说 来 说 去 还是 不 承认 自己 错 了。
  • 想 来 想 去 都 想 不 明白,他 怎么 能 那样 对 我?
  • 翻 来 翻 去, 终于 找 到 了 那 双 破 袜子。

See also

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK5