Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to wake up' with 醒来 (xǐnglái)

    Description & Modification
    Location & Position

    Structure

    Subject + 醒来 + 了

    Explanation

    醒来 (xǐnglái) means to wake up or regain consciousness, emphasizing the transition from sleep to wakefulness. The directional complement 来 adds a sense of the action coming toward the present state of being awake.

    Examples

    • 今天早上我六点就醒来了，再也睡不着。

      Jīntiān zǎoshang wǒ liù diǎn jiù xǐng lái le, zài yě shuì bù zháo.

      I woke up at six this morning and couldn't fall back asleep.

    • 他从梦中醒来，发现外面已经下雪了。

      Tā cóng mèng zhōng xǐng lái, fāxiàn wàimiàn yǐjīng xià xuě le.

      He woke up from his dream and found it was already snowing outside.

    • 手术后她慢慢醒来，看到家人都在身边。

      Shǒushù hòu tā mànman xǐng lái, kàn dào jiārén dōu zài shēnbiān.

      After the surgery, she slowly woke up and saw her family all around her.

    Often Confused With