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HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 6 min read

起来

Recognize the flexible complement 起来 in practical sentences.

Pattern

Verb/adjective + 起来

Use 起来 for starting, rising, collecting, or seeming.

孩子们笑起来了。

When to use 起来

起来 can be directional, but it also marks an action starting, things being gathered, or how something seems from perception.

这个问题看起来不难。

This problem looks not difficult.

我突然想起来他的名字。

I suddenly remembered his name.

请站起来。

Please stand up.

这件事说起来容易。

This matter is easy to talk about.

Common traps

  • 起来 has several meanings; do not force one translation.
  • With 看/听/说, it often marks perception or evaluation.
  • Separate 起来 from 出来 and 下来 by context.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

孩子们笑 了

Missing grammar piece
Meanings
up; start; seem as complement