Result complement "-xiaqu"

下去 is one of the most often heard result complements. Master how to use it with this article!

Structure

下去 can be used as a result complement to talk about things continuing or carrying on. Think of it as a figurative way of "keeping the ball rolling" (downhill).

It can be used in a positive way as well as in a negative way.

Subject + Verb + 下去

Subject + Verb + 不 + 下去

Some examples:

  • 不 能 一直 这样 做 下去You can't keep doing it like this.
  • 这 个 菜 很 难吃 - 我 吃 不 下去This food is disgusting. I can't keep eating it.
  • 我 走 不 下去了 - 把 我 留下 吧!I can't keep walking. Leave me behind!

See also

Sources and further reading

Books