More uses of 起来 (qǐlái)

We have already looked at one of the uses of 起来 (qǐlái). The examples we used were:

看起来不错(kàn qǐlái bu cuò): Looks ok

听起来好玩儿(tīng qǐlái hǎowán er): Sounds fun

In this case it is used to indicate impressions. As one of my readers rightly commented, there are more uses of 起来 (qǐlái). Below are three other uses:

To indicate an upward motion

站起来 (zhàn qǐlái): to stand up

把旗举起来 (bǎ qí jǔ qǐlái): to raise a flag

To indicate the beginning or extension of a motion, an action or a condition

唱起来(chàng qǐlái): to start singing

哭起来(kū qǐlái): to burst out crying

However, please note that it is used only in the cases where the start of an action is very distinct, catching everyone’s attention.

To indicate the fulfillment of a purpose or completion of an action

想起来(xiǎng qǐlái): to remember (something you have been trying to remember)

包起来(bāo qǐlái): to wrap something up