上 vs 好 (shàng vs hǎo): resultative complements for fastening and securing
Both 上 and 好 can follow verbs like 关 (close), 锁 (lock), or 钉 (nail) as resultative complements, but they convey different nuances: 上 indicates the action has reached its intended endpoint (e.g., closed, attached), while 好 emphasizes that the action is done properly and the result is secure or satisfactory. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to highlight completion of a closing/attaching action (上) or the quality/security of the outcome (好).
When used after verbs like 关, 锁, or 钉, the resultative complements 上 (shàng) and 好 (hǎo) both describe a successful action, but they focus on different aspects. 上 emphasizes that the action has moved the object to a closed or attached state (e.g., door is now shut, lid is now on). 好 emphasizes that the action is done well, fully, or securely (e.g., the door is not just closed but latched properly, the screw is not just in but tight). Neither is strictly 'right' or 'wrong'; the choice depends on the speaker's intention and the context.
When to use each
Use 上 when the key point is that the action has reached a completed position—for example, closing a door, turning off a switch, or attaching something. It answers the question 'Is it closed/attached?' and focuses on the endpoint of the motion (e.g., 关上窗户 = close the window).
上 can also be used for actions that involve adding or covering, like 穿上 (put on clothes) or 戴上 (put on glasses), where the result is a state of 'on' or 'attached'.
Use 好 when you want to emphasize that the action is performed properly, completely, or that the result is secure and satisfactory. It answers 'Is it done well/secure?' and often implies care or attention (e.g., 关好门窗 = close the doors and windows securely).
好 is more subjective than 上: what counts as 'properly done' depends on context. It can also be used for preparation or completion in non-physical actions (e.g., 想好 = think thoroughly).
At a glance
| 上 | 好 | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Completion of a closing/attaching motion | Qualitative success of the action |
| Implication | The action reached its endpoint (e.g., door is shut) | The action was done carefully and the result is secure |
| Typical question answered | 门关上了吗？ (Is the door closed?) | 门关好了吗？ (Is the door properly closed/secure?) |
| Negation | 没关上 (didn't close) | 没关好 (didn't close properly / closed but not secure) |
| Compatible with 关, 锁, 钉 | Yes; focuses on attaching/closing | Yes; focuses on doing it well/secure |
Examples
- 上请关上门。Qǐng guān shàng mén.Please close the door. (emphasizing the action of shutting it)上 shows the door is moved to a closed position.
- 好出门前要关好门窗。Chū mén qián yào guān hǎo mén chuāng.Before going out, you should close the doors and windows securely.好 stresses that the closing is done properly and secure.
- 上他把螺丝钉上了。Tā bǎ luósī dīng shàng le.He nailed the screw in (attached it).上 indicates the screw is now attached in place.
- 好螺丝要钉好，不然会松。Luósī yào dīng hǎo, bùrán huì sōng.The screw must be nailed tight, otherwise it will come loose.好 emphasizes the need for a secure, proper fastening.
- 上锁上门了吗？Suǒ shàng mén le ma?Did you lock the door? (i.e., is it locked now?)上 checks the state of the lock being engaged.
- 好锁好门再走。Suǒ hǎo mén zài zǒu.Lock the door properly before leaving.好 adds a nuance of careful or secure locking.
Common mistakes
- Using 好 for simple closure without implying security: e.g., saying '关好窗' when you just mean 'close the window' without extra care, which can sound like you're checking the quality; use 上 instead.
- Using 上 when the context requires emphasis on proper fastening: e.g., '把行李捆上' only means 'tie the luggage (so it is attached)', but '捆好' means 'tie it securely' — for safety, 好 is better.
- Negating with 没 when the distinction matters: '门没关上' means the door didn't close at all; '门没关好' means it closed but not properly (e.g., ajar). Learners often confuse these.
- Overgeneralizing 上 to all resultative contexts: e.g., '写上一个字' means 'write one character (and attach it to the paper)', but to say 'write it well/clearly' you need '写好'.
FAQ
- When do I use 上 vs 好 after 关?
- Both are common. Use 上 to indicate that the action of closing has been completed (the door is now shut). Use 好 to emphasize that the door is closed securely or properly (e.g., latched, no gap). If you're just telling someone to close the door, 关上 is neutral; if you're reminding them to check it's secure, 关好 is appropriate.
- Can 上 and 好 be used interchangeably after verbs like 锁 and 钉?
- Sometimes they can be used with little difference in everyday speech, but the nuance changes. 锁上 means 'lock (engage the lock)', while 锁好 means 'lock securely (maybe double-check)'. Similarly, 钉上 means 'nail in place', while 钉好 means 'nail firmly'. In safety instructions, 好 is often preferred because it emphasizes proper execution.
- Is 上 only used for attaching/closing?
- No, 上 has many functions as a resultative complement. It can also mean 'up to a certain amount' (e.g., 住上三年 = live up to three years) or 'start' (e.g., 聊上了 = start chatting). But in the fastening context, it specifically indicates reaching a closed or attached state.
- How do you choose between 上 and 好 when locking a door?
- If you simply want to know whether the door is locked (action completed), ask '锁上了吗？'. If you want to know if it's locked securely (e.g., no risk of unlocking), ask '锁好了吗？'. The answer to the first can be yes even if the lock is only partially engaged; the second implies a proper lock.