Meaning
This is a verb compound meaning to memorize something completely. It combines 背 (to recite from memory), 下 (a complement indicating completion or result), and 来 (indicating toward the speaker, suggesting successful accomplishment). The phrase emphasizes not just studying, but actually getting something fully memorized.
Usage
Commonly used in academic contexts when talking about memorizing texts, vocabulary, poems, or speeches. The 下来 component stresses that the memorization process has been completed successfully. Often used with objects like 课文 (texts), 单词 (vocabulary), or 诗 (poems).
Examples
- 01老师要求我们把这首诗背下来。.The teacher requires us to memorize this poem.
- 02这么多单词，我三天之内背不下来。, .So many words—I can't memorize them all within three days.
Characters
Common collocations
- 把...背下来...to memorize ...
- 背不下来unable to memorize
- 背下来了have memorized it
- 一定要背下来must memorize it
Antonyms
Origin
This is a resultative complement construction where 背 is the main verb and 下来 forms a compound complement indicating the successful completion and retention of the memorization action.