Simple complements of direction: “来 / 去”
In Chinese, the structure Verb + 来/去 indicates the directional movement of an action:
来 (lái): The action is directed towards the speaker (coming).
去 (qù): The action is directed away from the speaker (going).
Common verbs used: 上 (up), 下 (down), 进 (in), 出 (out), 回 (back/return), 过 (across), 起 (upward), 买 (buy), 带 (bring/take), 搬 (move).
1. Basic Structure
Verb + 来 / 去
我们在楼上等你呢，你上来吧
Speaker is upstairs (楼上).
谁在外边？你出去看看吧
Speaker is inside (屋里).
汉语书你带来了吗？
Action directed towards speaker.
那边树多，我们过去坐一下吧
Action moving away from speaker.
2. With Place Nouns
When a place is mentioned, it MUST be placed BEFORE 来 / 去.
Verb + Place Noun + 来 / 去
小狗下楼来吃东西
老师进教室来上课
朋友回家去了
我上楼去
3. With Object Nouns (Things/Items)
An object noun can be placed either BEFORE or AFTER 来 / 去.
Pattern A: Verb + Object + 来 / 去
Pattern B: Verb + 来 / 去 + Object
明天要带作业来
帮我买来点儿面包
你搬这把椅子去吧
这次旅游，我想带去这本书