Verb + 来 + Verb + 去 (back and forth)
IntroducedRepeated thought need not involve movement
- You reconsider a problem several times.
- I / me我想来想去，or / still还是not / haven't没to decide (to do something)决定。 — The speaker thinks repeatedly but has not decided.
You reconsider a problem several times. What does 我想来想去，还是没决定。 communicate?
The speaker thinks repeatedly but has not decided. 走来走去 describes physical movement; 想来想去 describes thought. Repetition need not imply that every instance is restless or anxious.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Verb + to come来 + Verb + to go去 (back and forth). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
he他walk走来walk走去。
Using the lesson pattern in this demonstrated example: Pacing back and forth: 他走来走 ____。
Verb + 来 + Verb + 去 = back and forth: 走来走去.
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, I / me我想来想去，or / still还是not / haven't没to decide (to do something)决定。: The speaker thinks repeatedly but has not decided.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
想来想去 means…
想来想去 means repeatedly thinking the matter over. Physical movement or anxiety is not required.
Know the boundary
- walk走to come来walk走to go去 describes physical movement; 想来想去 describes thought.
- Repetition need not imply that every instance is restless or anxious.
The verb on both sides must be the same.
Yes — 走来走去, 想来想去 (same verb).
In the opening situation: The speaker thinks repeatedly but has not decided.
走来走去 describes physical movement; 想来想去 describes thought. Repetition need not imply that every instance is restless or anxious. The speaker thinks repeatedly but has not decided.
Use the distinction
- The speaker thinks repeatedly but has not decided.
- walk走to come来walk走to go去 describes physical movement; 想来想去 describes thought. Repetition need not imply that every instance is restless or anxious.
Read the full reference: HSK 5 grammar — Complements.
You reconsider a problem several times. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.