Definition
下来 (xià lái) is a directional verb meaning 'to come down' toward the speaker, and also a versatile verb complement. As a complement, it can mean 'down' (写下来 'write down'), or indicate an action continuing from past to present (坚持下来 'persist through'). Unlike 下 (xià), which is a simple verb for 'go down/get off', 下来 adds the sense of movement toward the speaker or completion.
verb
to come down(directional complement) down (toward the speaker)(aspectual complement) indicates completion or continuation of an action
Examples
- 下来!Kuài cóng shù shàng xià lái!Come down from the tree quickly!
- 。Qǐng xiě xià lái zhè jù huà.Please write down this sentence.
- 。Yǔ tíng xià lái le.The rain has stopped.
Browse more HSK 2 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.