2021 CSAT Chinese - Compound Directional Complements

Hello!

Today, we are going to solve some problems regarding Compound Directional Complements together.

First, what is a Compound Directional Complement?

The combination method for compound directional complements is as follows.

Now, let’s solve some related problems together.

Choose the incorrect sentences among options A to D.

What is the answer?

A．‘坚持下去’ (To keep going/persist). Since it means to continue into the future, using 下去 is correct.

       * 下来: Past → Present / 下去: Present → Future.

B．‘起来’ This is a meeting between a compound directional complement and a separable verb.

     In this case, the object part of the separable verb must be placed in the middle of the compound directional complement.

     Therefore, 鼓掌起来 → 鼓起掌来 is the correct change. Ex) 唱起歌来, 下起雨来, etc.

     * The same applies if the object is a non-movable noun (like a place). Ex) 他回宿舍去。

C. Since the speaker is at the bottom and telling someone at the top to come down,

    下楼去 → 下楼来 must be used instead. *While replacing it with ‘来’, understand the position of ‘楼’ based on the explanation in B.

D. 进行下来 (To carry on/proceed).

    Since it means continuing into the future, just like in A, it must be changed from 下来 to 下去 to be correct.

So, the answer is?

Yes, it is B/C/D.

Did everyone get them right?

I hope everyone gets great results on this CSAT!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the compound directional complements '下来' and '下去'?

Yes, there is a difference in the direction of continuation based on the flow of time. '下来' means something that has continued from the past to the present, while '下去' means something that will continue from the present into the future. For example, '坚持下去' (to persevere) is the correct expression when meaning to continue into the future.

When the compound directional complement '起来' is used with a separable verb, where is the object placed?

The object should be placed between the compound directional complement. Since the object part of a separable verb must go in the middle of the complement, '鼓起掌来' is grammatically correct, not '鼓掌起来'. The same principle applies to '唱起歌来' (to start singing) and '下起雨来' (to start raining).

Is the position the same when the object is immovable, such as a place?

Yes, the same rule applies. Even when the object is immovable, such as a place, it should be placed between the compound directional complements. For example, the expression 'He returns to the dormitory' should be '他回宿舍去', with the place object '宿舍' in the middle, to be a correct sentence.

How do you say 'come down' when the speaker is below and the other person is above?

You should say '下楼来'. Since the speaker is below and asking someone above to come down, it is appropriate to use '来' (come) instead of '去' (go) to indicate direction, making '下楼来' the correct expression for the situation, not '下楼去'.