Complement Pattern “-xiàlai”
下来
How it works
As a complement, 下来 (xiàlái) can indicate:
movement downward
continuation from the past up to the present
transition from activity to stability
something being preserved, recorded, or retained
a process gradually settling into a clearer state
At HSK6 level, the abstract uses are especially important.
The pattern
Example sentences
这么多年过去了，很多细节我已经记不清了，可那种当时的感受却一直留下来了。
So many years have passed, and I can no longer remember many details clearly, but that feeling from back then has remained.
如果不能把这些经验系统地整理下来，以后再遇到类似问题时就很难真正利用起来。
If these experiences cannot be systematically sorted and recorded, then when similar problems arise in the future, it will be difficult to truly make use of them.
双方都先冷静下来以后，再讨论这个问题，效果显然会好得多。
After both sides calm down first and then discuss this issue, the effect will obviously be much better.
Key point
At advanced level, 下来 (xiàlái) often implies settling, preserving, recording, or calming into a stable state.