Mastering Chinese Complements: A Comprehensive Guide to Result, Degree, and Direction

When learning Chinese as a second language, one of the most challenging aspects is understanding and correctly using complements—grammatical elements that come after verbs to give extra information about the result, degree, or direction of an action. These complements can significantly enrich your expressions and make your Chinese sound more natural and precise. However, many learners find them confusing due to their variety and the complexity of combining them with different verbs and sentence structures.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore three major types of complements in Chinese—result complements, degree complements, and directional complements—along with plenty of examples to illustrate their usage. By the end, you will have a solid grasp of how these complements function in everyday conversation and written text, as well as practical tips for mastering them. Remember, if you want to speed up your progress with professional guidance, consider signing up for our flexible Chinese language classes at https://lcchineseschool.com/flexible-classes/. Let’s dive in!

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1. Introduction to Chinese Complements

1.1 What Are Complements?

In Chinese grammar, a complement (补语, bǔyǔ) is an element that follows the main verb (or, in some rare cases, an adjective) to supply additional details. While in some languages these details might be handled by adverbs, prepositional phrases, or entirely separate clauses, in Chinese they often appear as complements appended directly to the verb. Complements can:

1. Show the outcome of an action (result complements).
2. Indicate the intensity or extent of an action (degree complements).
3. Convey the direction or trajectory of an action (directional complements).

Each type plays a distinct role in explaining how an action is completed or experienced. When you master these complements, you can give your sentences more nuance—for example, differentiating between simply “doing” something versus “completing” it, or specifying that someone has “come inside” rather than just “come.” In essence, complements add layers of meaning that help express intricate details in a concise manner.

1.2 Why Are Complements Important?

• Clarity and Precision: Complements allow you to specify exactly what happened as a result of an action. Saying “I found my keys” (我找到钥匙了, wǒ zhǎodào yàoshi le) is more precise than simply stating “I looked for my keys” (我找钥匙了, wǒ zhǎo yàoshi le).
• Natural Expression: Native Chinese speakers frequently use complements in casual speech. Without them, you might sound abrupt or unclear.
• Cultural and Contextual Accuracy: In many real-life situations, specifying details about whether something is completed, how intensively it was done, or in which direction an action occurred is crucial for accurate communication.

Now that we understand the basic function and importance of complements, let’s look at each type in detail.

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2. Result Complements

2.1 Definition and Core Function

Result complements (结果补语, jiéguǒ bǔyǔ) indicate the outcome or consequence of an action. They are placed immediately after the verb, providing vital information such as whether the action was successfully completed or what state has been achieved as a result. In English, result complements can sometimes be conveyed with phrases like “finish doing something,” “find something,” or “manage to do something.” In Chinese, however, these nuances frequently appear as concise suffixes or additional characters attached to the verb.

Examples

• 我昨天把作业写完了。
  (Wǒ zuótiān bǎ zuòyè xiěwán le.)
  “Yesterday, I finished writing my homework.”

  • The key is “写完 (xiěwán),” where “完 (wán)” indicates completion.

• 我没看到你进来。
  (Wǒ méi kàndào nǐ jìnlái.)
  “I did not see you come in.”

  • “看到 (kàndào)” expresses that the act of “seeing” was achieved as a result. In the negative form (没 + verb + complement), it indicates that result was not achieved.

2.2 Common Result Complements

1. 完 (wán) – means “to finish” or “complete”

   • 吃完 (chīwán): to finish eating
   • 做完 (zuòwán): to finish doing
   • 看完 (kànwán): to finish watching/reading

2. 好 (hǎo) – indicates that an action was done well, properly, or satisfactorily

   • 准备好 (zhǔnbèi hǎo): to prepare properly
   • 写好 (xiěhǎo): to write something well or to complete it in a satisfying manner
   • 做好 (zuòhǎo): to do something well or get something fully ready

3. 到 (dào) – signifies that the action has reached a goal or has been achieved

   • 找到 (zhǎodào): to find (something successfully)
   • 看到 (kàndào): to see (something successfully)
   • 听到 (tīngdào): to hear (something)

4. 见 (jiàn) – often used with perception verbs, focusing on the sensory result of “perceiving”

   • 看见 (kànjiàn): to see (emphasizing the moment of seeing)
   • 听见 (tīngjiàn): to hear (emphasizing the moment of hearing)

5. 上 (shàng), 住 (zhù), 开 (kāi), 走 (zǒu), etc. – reflect specific resultant states or conditions

   • 关上 (guānshàng): to close (implying it is firmly shut)
   • 拿住 (názhù): to hold on to (firmly)
   • 跑开 (pǎokāi): to run away (emphasizing separation from the original place)

2.3 Usage Notes for Result Complements

• Verb + Result Complement + 了: Often used to describe a completed action, e.g., 我写完了作业 (I finished my homework).
• Negative Form: Insert 没 or 还没 before the verb to show the result did not happen, e.g., 我还没写完作业 (I haven’t finished my homework yet).
• Appropriate Verb-Complement Pairing: Certain complements pair naturally with certain verbs, while others do not. For example, “吃见 (chījiàn)” is not a valid combination because “见 (jiàn)” is used for perception verbs such as “看 (kàn)” or “听 (tīng).”

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3. Degree Complements

3.1 Definition and Core Function

Degree complements (程度补语, chéngdù bǔyǔ) help illustrate how intensely or to what extent an action is performed, or how strong an adjective’s quality is. In Chinese, these typically follow the structure:

$$\text{Verb/Adjective}+得+\text{Complement}$$

By adding a degree complement, you can make your statement more vivid—whether you want to express extreme exhaustion, overwhelming excitement, or any other heightened state.

3.2 Common Degree Complement Structures

1. 得很 (de hěn) – indicates a high degree but is relatively moderate in tone.

   • 他跑得很远。
     (Tā pǎo de hěn yuǎn.)
     “He ran very far.”
   • 这件衣服好看得很。
     (Zhè jiàn yīfu hǎokàn de hěn.)
     “This piece of clothing looks really good.”

2. 得不得了 (de bùdéliǎo) – suggests an extreme or intense degree, often translated as “incredibly” or “extremely.”

   • 我今天忙得不得了。
     (Wǒ jīntiān máng de bùdéliǎo.)
     “I’m incredibly busy today.”
   • 她高兴得不得了。
     (Tā gāoxìng de bùdéliǎo.)
     “She’s extremely happy.”

3. 得要命 / 得要死 / 得厉害 (de yàomìng / de yàosǐ / de lìhài) – convey a sense of reaching a threshold that is almost unbearable.

   • 我热得要命。
     (Wǒ rè de yàomìng.)
     “I’m unbearably hot.”
   • 他紧张得厉害。
     (Tā jǐnzhāng de lìhài.)
     “He’s terribly nervous.”

4. Complex Complements (得 + phrase or clause) – used to show the consequence of reaching a certain degree.

   • 他累得连话都说不出来。
     (Tā lèi de lián huà dōu shuō bù chūlái.)
     “He’s so tired that he can’t even speak.”
   • 他们吵得楼下的人都睡不着觉。
     (Tāmen chǎo de lóuxià de rén dōu shuì bùzháo jiào.)
     “They made so much noise that the people downstairs couldn’t sleep.”

3.3 Usage Notes for Degree Complements

• When using 得 with adjectives, the structure is often Adjective + 得 + Complement, e.g., 好得不得了.
• When used with verbs, it’s often Verb + 得 + Complement, e.g., 跑得很快, 累得不可开交.
• The complement can be a simple word (e.g., 很, 不得了, 要命) or a whole clause describing the consequence of that extreme degree (e.g., 累得爬不起来).

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4. Directional Complements

4.1 Definition and Core Function

Directional complements (趋向补语, qūxiàng bǔyǔ) describe the movement or direction of an action. They are typically formed by the addition of 来 (lái) and 去 (qù) to the main verb, which can further combine with characters like “上,” “下,” “进,” “出,” “回,” etc. These forms create more nuanced expressions of where the action is heading or where it is coming from.

4.2 Basic Directional Complements

• 来 (lái): Implies movement toward the speaker (or the focal point of the discourse).
• 去 (qù): Implies movement away from the speaker (or the focal point of the discourse).

Examples:

1. 过来 (guòlái): come over (towards the speaker)
   • 你快过来看看这个消息。
     “Come over here quickly and look at this news!”
2. 走去 (zǒu qù): walk away (from the speaker’s point of view)
   • 他拿着行李走去了机场。
     “He walked away (toward) the airport with his luggage.”

4.3 Compound Directional Complements

You can add 上 (shàng), 下 (xià), 进 (jìn), 出 (chū), and 回 (huí) in front of 来 (lái) or 去 (qù) to specify the exact direction:

1. 上来 (shànglái) / 上去 (shàngqù)

   • Indicates movement from a lower position to a higher one.
   • 上来 (toward the speaker) vs. 上去 (away from the speaker).
   • Examples:
     • 你快上来，外面在下雨！
       “Come up here quickly; it’s raining outside!”
     • 我已经爬上去山顶了。
       “I’ve already climbed up to the top of the mountain.”

2. 下来 (xiàlái) / 下去 (xiàqù)

   • Movement from a higher position to a lower one.
   • 下来 (toward the speaker) vs. 下去 (away from the speaker).
   • Examples:
     • 请你小心下来，楼梯很陡。
       “Come down carefully; the stairs are steep.”
     • 她还没从山上下去。
       “She still hasn’t come down from the mountain.”

3. 进来 (jìnlái) / 进去 (jìnqù)

   • Movement from outside to inside.
   • 进来 (toward the speaker) vs. 进去 (away from the speaker).
   • Examples:
     • 请进来坐，不要客气。
       “Please come in and have a seat; don’t be shy.”
     • 我看他已经进去教室了。
       “I saw he already went into the classroom.”

4. 出来 (chūlái) / 出去 (chūqù)

   • Movement from inside to outside.
   • 出来 (toward the speaker) vs. 出去 (away from the speaker).
   • Examples:
     • 我拿了东西就出来了。
       “I took my stuff and came out.”
     • 今天晚上你要不要一起出去吃饭？
       “Do you want to go out to eat tonight?”

5. 回来 (huílái) / 回去 (huíqù)

   • Indicate a return or going back to a place.
   • 回来 (toward the speaker) vs. 回去 (away from the speaker).
   • Examples:
     • 我今天会早一点儿回来。
       “I’ll come back earlier today.”
     • 他下班后马上回去了。
       “He went straight back (home) after work.”

4.4 Extended Uses and Notes

• Sometimes you can insert objects in between the verb and the directional complement (e.g., 拿出来, “take something out”), but you must ensure the sentence remains grammatically smooth.
• You can combine directional complements with result complements to express both direction and result. For instance, 拿出来了 (náchūlái le) literally means “took it out,” emphasizing both the action of taking and the movement outward.

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5. Tips for Mastering Chinese Complements

1. Listen and Read Extensively
   Pay attention to how native speakers use complements. Watch Chinese dramas, listen to podcasts, or read short stories. Notice the verb-complement structures and think about what extra information they convey.

2. Imitate and Practice
   Find sample sentences that include commonly used complements (e.g., “写完,” “看见,” “过来,” “忙得要命”) and practice them out loud or in writing. Incorporating them into your speech helps internalize these structures.

3. Study Progressively
   Start with the most frequently used complements (完, 到, 见, 来, 去, etc.), and then move on to more nuanced forms (进来, 出去, 得不得了, etc.). Too many new complements at once can be overwhelming.

4. Contextualized Exercises
   Role-play everyday scenarios—ordering food, talking about your day, describing your surroundings—while consciously adding complements. For instance, say “我今天的工作忙得要死 (My work today was so busy it’s killing me)” instead of “我今天的工作很忙.”

5. Seek Professional Guidance
   If you find self-study challenging or want a solid curriculum with immediate feedback, consider enrolling in a structured Chinese course. Our flexible online classes at https://lcchineseschool.com/flexible-classes/ provide comprehensive lessons, tailored practice exercises, and expert guidance to accelerate your understanding of Chinese grammar, including all types of complements.

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6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with a good understanding of complements, mistakes can happen. Here are some frequent errors:

1. Wrong Result Complement

   • Incorrect: 我看完了一场电影。
     • While not blatantly ungrammatical, it might sound slightly off because “看完” usually pairs naturally with “电影” as the object. One might say, “我看完了这部电影” or “我看完了一场电影” in the right context, but be mindful of your phrasing.
   • Correct: 我看完了这部电影。
     (Wǒ kàn wán le zhè bù diànyǐng.)
     “I finished watching this movie.”

2. Misplaced Degree Complement

   • Incorrect: 他得很跑远。
     • The syntax is incorrect.
   • Correct: 他跑得很远。
     (Tā pǎo de hěn yuǎn.)
     “He ran very far.”

3. Mixing Up Directional Complements

   • Incorrect: 你过去我这里。
     • If you want someone to move towards you, you must use 过来.
   • Correct: 你过来我这里。
     (Nǐ guòlái wǒ zhèlǐ.)
     “Come over here to me.”

4. Forgetting the Object

   • Incorrect: 我拿出来了。
     • Without an object, the sentence can be vague—what did you take out?
   • Correct: 我拿出来我的手机了。
     (Wǒ ná chūlái wǒ de shǒujī le.)
     “I took out my phone.”

5. Ignoring Verb-Complement Suitability

   • Incorrect: 我吃见了饺子。
     • 见 (jiàn) is commonly used for perception verbs like 看 (kàn) or 听 (tīng), not for eating.
   • Correct: 我吃完了饺子。
     (Wǒ chī wán le jiǎozi.)
     “I finished eating the dumplings.”

By paying attention to these pitfalls and applying the proper structures, you will steadily improve your grasp on Chinese complements.

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7. Conclusion

Chinese complements may appear daunting at first because they add layers of complexity to verb usage. However, they are incredibly powerful tools that enable you to express nuanced ideas about results, degrees, and directions in a succinct way. Whether you are describing your day, recounting your weekend activities, or clarifying instructions, the correct use of complements lends clarity, precision, and naturalness to your Chinese.

• Result Complements focus on whether or how an action is completed or what outcome is achieved.
• Degree Complements clarify how intensely or to what extent an action or state occurs.
• Directional Complements indicate where or in which direction the action is headed, often centering on whether it is toward or away from the speaker.

If you find that self-studying is not enough or you want to optimize your learning process with expert support, don’t hesitate to explore our Chinese language programs at https://lcchineseschool.com/flexible-classes/. Our experienced instructors will guide you step by step, from the basics of complement usage to more advanced and nuanced scenarios. With consistent practice and targeted feedback, you will soon be crafting sentences that sound both authentic and expressive.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and embrace every opportunity to use complements in real-life conversations or written exercises. Over time, these structures will become second nature, enhancing both your fluency and your confidence in Chinese. Good luck on your journey toward mastering Chinese grammar—and have fun exploring the richness of complements!