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    Chinese Grammar

    Resultative verb compounds in Chinese (V1+V2)

    Actions & Events
    Result & Consequence

    Structure

    V1 + V2 (Action + Result)

    Explanation

    A resultative verb compound is formed by combining two verbs where the first verb (V1) describes the action and the second verb (V2) describes the result or outcome of that action. For example, in 打破 (dǎpò, "to break by hitting"), 打 is the action and 破 is the result. This is one of the most productive and important grammatical structures in Chinese.

    Examples

    • 我不小心把杯子摔碎了。

      wǒ bù xiǎoxīn bǎ bēizi shuāi suì le.

      I accidentally dropped and broke the cup.

    • 孩子们在外面跑累了，回来就睡着了。

      háizimen zài wàimiàn pǎo lèi le, huílái jiù shuìzháo le.

      The children got tired from running outside and fell asleep as soon as they came back.

    • 你的名字太难了，我记不住。

      nǐ de míngzi tài nán le, wǒ jì bú zhù.

      Your name is too difficult; I can't remember it.

    Similar Grammar

    Resultative verb compounds in Chinese (V1+V2) | Chinese Grammar