Result complement "-xiaqu"

下去 (xiàqù) 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:

  • 这个 故事 太 无聊 了, 我听不下去了。This story is too boring,I can't keep listening to it.
  • 这 个 菜 很 难吃 , 我 吃 不 下去This food is disgusting. I can't keep eating it.
  • 这个 电影 画面 太 残忍 了,我 看 下去了!This scene in the movie is too cruel.I can't keep seeing it.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books