Extended Use of the Complement of Direction (1): ……下去
In Chinese, when the directional complement 下去 (xiàqù) is attached after a verb or an adjective, it indicates that an action or state that has already started will continue onward into the future. In English, it translates to “continue to...”, “go on -ing”, or “keep -ing”.
Grammar Rules
1. Continuation into the Future: Shows that an ongoing action, process, or state extends from the present moment forward without stopping.
2. Usage with Adjectives: When following an adjective, it indicates that a specific condition (such as gaining weight or rising temperatures) will persist or intensify over time.
3. Combination with 再: Frequently combined with the adverb 再 in the pattern 再 + Verb / Adjective + 下去 (“if it keeps on...” or “cannot keep...”).
Grammar Structure
Verb / Adjective + 下去
(再 + Verb / Adjective + 下去)
Examples
我今年胖了十多斤，不能再胖下去了。
I've gained over 10 jin (~5 kg) this year; I can't keep gaining weight like this.
她读完了第一个问题，后面的你读下去。
She finished reading the first question; you continue reading the rest.
这几天太热了，如果再热下去就不能出门了。
It has been so hot these days; if it keeps getting hotter, we won't be able to go outside.
Important Note
Difference between “下来” and “下去”:
……下来 (xiàlái): Describes an action or state that has continued from the past up to the present moment (e.g., 坚持下来 — endured/stuck with it until now).
……下去 (xiàqù): Describes an action or state continuing from the present moment into the future (e.g., 坚持下去 — keep enduring / carry on into the future).
Halting an Action: To express that a situation or habit must stop continuing, use the structure 不能再……下去 (cannot keep going on like this).