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Verb + 上

HSK 3
  • Complements

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Verb上

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Resultative complement 上 indicates an action directed upward, adhering/attaching to something, or achieving a goal.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

Uses 上 as a resultative complement after a verb to express several meanings:

  • Upward direction: 爬上山 (climb up a mountain).
  • Contact or attachment: 关上门 (close a door shut), 穿上衣服 (put clothes on).
  • Beginning or attainment: 爱上一个人 (fall in love with someone), 考上大学 (pass the university entrance exam).

It indicates that the action not only occurs but also produces a concrete result of "upward," "closed," "attached to," or "achieved."

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 他爬上山了。
    Tā pá shàng shān le.

    He climbed up the mountain.

  2. 请把门关上。
    繁: 請把門關上。Qǐng bǎ mén guān shàng.

    Please close the door.

  3. 天冷了，快穿上外套。
    Tiān lěng le, kuài chuān shàng wàitào.

    The weather has turned cold, so put on your jacket quickly.

  4. 我终于考上大学了！
    繁: 我終於考上大學了！Wǒ zhōngyú kǎo shàng dàxué le!

    Finally, I got accepted to university!

  5. 他爱上了一个女孩。
    繁: 他愛上了一個女孩。Tā ài shàng le yí gè nǚhái.

    He fell in love with a girl.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:他爱一个女孩。
    Correct:他爱上一个女孩了。

    爱上 means "to fall in love with," emphasizing the beginning of romantic feelings, whereas 爱 alone is used to express the general state of loving.

  • Wrong:我每天都穿上校服去上学。
    Correct:我每天都穿校服去上学。

    穿上 emphasizes the action of "putting on." When expressing a habit or state, the verb 穿 alone is sufficient.

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