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    Chinese Grammar

    Forming resultative verb compounds

    Actions & Events
    Result & Consequence

    Structure

    V1 + V2 (Result)

    Explanation

    In Chinese, two verbs can combine to form a resultative compound where the second verb (V2) expresses the result or outcome of the action described by the first verb (V1). This is a highly productive pattern that conveys both an action and its consequence in a single compact unit. For example, 打破 combines "hit" and "break" to mean "to break by hitting."

    Examples

    • 他不小心把杯子打破了。

      tā bù xiǎoxīn bǎ bēizi dǎpò le.

      He accidentally broke the cup.

    • 我终于看懂了这篇文章。

      wǒ zhōngyú kàn dǒng le zhè piān wénzhāng.

      I finally understood this article.

    • 她把作业写完才出去玩。

      tā bǎ zuòyè xiě wán cái chūqù wán.

      She went out to play only after finishing her homework.

    Forming resultative verb compounds | Chinese Grammar