来 (connecting verb phrases)

• Pinyin: lái
• Formation: 用 / 通过 + Method + 来 + Verb Phrase
• Hanzi breakdown: 来 = simplified form of 來, depicting wheat (麥) — original meaning related to wheat, later borrowed for 'come'

Meaning

The word 来 (lái) can connect two verb phrases, where the first phrase describes a method or means, and 来 introduces the action or goal achieved through that method. It functions similarly to 'in order to' or 'so as to' in English.

This usage of 来 is different from its basic meaning of 'come.' Here, 来 acts as a conjunction linking a method to an outcome. It often appears with words like 用 (use) or 通过 (through) to explicitly state the method or tool. The pattern emphasizes how something is achieved rather than just what is done. This structure is very common in both spoken and written Chinese and appears frequently in instructional, explanatory, or persuasive contexts. Learners should note that 来 in this pattern is unstressed and serves a grammatical function rather than carrying its usual verb meaning.

Examples

1. 我们可以用这个方法来解决问题。 We can use this method to solve the problem.
2. 老师用讲故事的方式来教语法。 The teacher uses storytelling to teach grammar.
3. 他想通过运动来减轻压力。 He wants to relieve stress through exercise.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: explanatory

Do Say

• 她用画画来放松自己。
• 我们通过讨论来找到最好的方案。
• 他用跑步来保持身体健康。

Don't Say

• 我们用讨论解决了问题来。(来 must appear between the method and the action, not at the end of the sentence) → 我们用讨论来解决了问题。
• 他来用努力成功了。(来 connects a method to a goal — the method phrase should come before 来, not after) → 他用努力来取得了成功。

Origin & History

来 originally means 'to come' but evolved a purposive linking function in classical Chinese, connecting means and ends. This grammatical extension has been widely used since the Tang dynasty and remains one of the most natural ways to express method-purpose relationships.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal