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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 上来 (shànglái) to express coming up or rising

    Actions & Events
    Direction & Movement

    Structure

    Verb + 上来

    Explanation

    上来 is a directional complement meaning "to come up" or "to rise," indicating movement from a lower position to a higher one toward the speaker. It can be attached to verbs to show the direction of the action, as in 走上来 (walk up) or 爬上来 (climb up). It can also be used figuratively.

    Examples

    • 他从楼下慢慢走上来，气喘吁吁的。

      Tā cóng lóuxià mànmàn zǒu shànglái, qìchuǎnxūxū de.

      He slowly walked up from downstairs, panting heavily.

    • 你先上来，我在三楼等你。

      Nǐ xiān shànglái, wǒ zài sān lóu děng nǐ.

      Come up first; I'll wait for you on the third floor.

    • 一股热气从地面升上来，让人喘不过气。

      Yī gǔ rèqì cóng dìmiàn shēng shànglái, ràng rén chuǎn bù guò qì.

      A wave of hot air rose up from the ground, making it hard to breathe.

    Often Confused With

    Using 上来 (shànglái) to express coming up or rising | Chinese Grammar