A来A去 A lái A qù

A来A去（A lái A qù）means “'A 来 A 去' expresses a repeated, back-and-forth action”. The pattern repeats one verb around 来 and 去 to show an action done over and over. Formation: V/单音节动词+来+同一动词+去

'A 来 A 去' expresses a repeated, back-and-forth action

HSK4

Formation

V/单音节动词+来+同一动词+去

Explanation

The pattern repeats one verb around 来 and 去 to show an action done over and over. 走来走去 means pacing back and forth, 想来想去 means thinking it over and over. It often hints at no clear result.

Examples

他在房间里 走来走去，很着急。
tā zài fángjiān lǐ zǒu lái zǒu qù hěn zháojí
He paced back and forth in the room, very anxious.
这件事我 想来想去，还是决定告诉你。
zhè jiàn shì wǒ xiǎng lái xiǎng qù háishi juédìng gàosu nǐ
I thought this over and over, and still decided to tell you.

Note

Use the same one-syllable verb in both slots. 来 and 去 keep full tone in this fixed pattern.

FAQ

A来A去 — what does it mean and how is it used?

'A 来 A 去' expresses a repeated, back-and-forth action. The pattern repeats one verb around 来 and 去 to show an action done over and over. 走来走去 means pacing back and forth, 想来想去 means thinking it over and over. It often hints at no clear result.

A来A去 — how do you form it?

V/单音节动词+来+同一动词+去

A来A去 — any usage notes?

Use the same one-syllable verb in both slots. 来 and 去 keep full tone in this fixed pattern.

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