(after verb of motion, indicates motion down and towards us, also fig.)
HSK 2, unknown, rank #284, Medium
下来
xiàlái
(indicates continuation from the past towards us)
HSK 2, unknown, rank #284, Medium
下来
xiàlái
to be harvested (of crops)
HSK 2, unknown, rank #284, Medium
下来
xiàlái
to be over (of a period of time)
HSK 2, unknown, rank #284, Medium
下来
xiàlái
to go among the masses (said of leaders)
HSK 2, unknown, rank #284, Medium
xiàlái(xia4lai2) T4
1to come down
2(after verb of motion, indicates motion down and towards us, also fig.)
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March 24, 2026
下来(下來)xiàlái(xia4lai2)
下来 (xia4 lai5) means 'to come down' and is often used to indicate motion downward towards the speaker. It can also express the idea of continuity from the past to the present or denote the harvesting of crops. In a figurative sense, it can refer to leaders engaging directly with the masses.
Frequency#284DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of coming down to engage with the masses reflects the Chinese political tradition of leaders connecting with the people, especially during community events or inspections.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person climbing a ladder (下) and then coming down (来) to join a gathering below. Visualize the ladder as symbolizing upward ambition, while the act of coming down represents connecting with the community.
Meanings of 下来
xiàlái(xia4lai2)
1to come down
2(after verb of motion, indicates motion down and towards us, also fig.)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 下来
下来Simplified
下來Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L2ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 下来
Podcast: 下来
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AI Study Notes for 下来
Quick Contrast
下来 (xiàlái) vs 下降 (xiàjiàng) — use 下来 for movement towards the speaker, while 下降 emphasizes a general decrease in level or position.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person climbing a ladder (下) and then coming down (来) to join a gathering below. Visualize the ladder as symbolizing upward ambition, while the act of coming down represents connecting with the community.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 下来 with 上去 (to go up), which indicates upward movement. It's primarily used in informal contexts, but can also appear in written language. Be mindful of tone when using this word, especially in casual conversation.
HSK Study Tips
下来 is relevant for HSK Level 3, as it builds on basic verbs of motion. Students should focus on using it in context with other directional verbs like 上 (up) and 走 (to walk) to enhance their understanding of spatial relations.
Cultural Note
The concept of coming down to engage with the masses reflects the Chinese political tradition of leaders connecting with the people, especially during community events or inspections.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 下来 with 过去 (guò qù, to go over), leading to errors like '我想过去看' instead of '我想下来看看'. Remember that 下来 implies coming down towards the speaker.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 下来
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Cultural Notes for 下来
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of coming down to engage with the masses reflects the Chinese political tradition of leaders connecting with the people, especially during community events or inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions about 下来
You can say, '请下来看一下这个项目' (Please come down and take a look at this project).
No, it can also be used figuratively, such as in '时间过去了，我们要继续下来了' (Time has passed, and we need to continue on from here).
Yes, it is often combined with verbs to indicate a downward motion, such as '跳下来' (jump down).
