Discontinuous verbs (liheci) are loosely structured verb phrases that, when used as the predicate, can be split apart with components such as objects, numerals/quantifiers, tense markers, and other elements. They are usually composed of a verb and a noun, together expressing a fixed action meaning. When using discontinuous verbs, you cannot arbitrarily insert modifiers in the middle; you may only insert the necessary components according to the rules.

Common discontinuous verbs are often of the 'verb + noun' structure, such as ‘wash bath’, ‘meet’, ‘chat’. Together these words express a complete action; using only part of them individually can easily change the original meaning. Some discontinuous verbs can also function as habitual ‘verb + object’ phrases, but grammatically they still retain separability.

Discontinuous verbs behave in sentences similarly to verb phrases, but compared with ordinary monosyllabic verbs, they rely more on the fixed meaning when ‘together’. Monosyllabic verbs usually take objects directly, whereas discontinuous verbs often require splitting to carry the object or a quantity. The key to determining whether an expression is a discontinuous verb is whether a fixed, rule-governed split is allowed, not its length.

Discontinuous verbs often insert numerals or measure words like 次, 下, etc., in the middle to express frequency or time. Common formats are ‘verb + le + quantity + noun’ or ‘verb + quantity + noun’. After insertion, the whole structure functions as the predicate and can take a subject and other components.

When a discontinuous verb needs a specific content, you typically place modifiers before the noun segment, effectively inserting the object or a qualifying element at the noun position. A common format is ‘verb + (了) + modifier + noun’. Directly placing an object after the discontinuous verb (without splitting) often does not conform to standard written usage.

Discontinuous verbs can bear tense/aspect markers like ordinary verbs (such as ‘le’, ‘zhe’, ‘guo’), but they are often used with splitting. ‘Bathing + le’ indicates completion, ‘正在 bathing’ indicates ongoing action, ‘has bathed’ indicates experience. When accompanied by a quantity or object, splitting rules still apply.

When negating a discontinuous verb, usually place ‘没’ or ‘不’ in front of the discontinuous verb; structurally it is equivalent to negating the verb. ‘没’ is often used for past or completed actions, ‘不’ for habitual or future actions. The components after splitting still preserve the negation’s logical position.

Common misconceptions include treating discontinuous verbs as indivisible words that directly take an object afterward, or omitting necessary numerals or modifiers after splitting. In spoken language expressions may be simplified, but normative usage relies on splitting. Understanding the ‘splittability’ of discontinuous verbs is more important than memorizing specific words.

In everyday speech and writing, discontinuous verbs such as ‘bath’, ‘meet’, ‘chat’, ‘sleep’, ‘go to work’, ‘leave work’ are used frequently. Mastery of these words allows flexible use of quantity, modifiers, and tenses to express ideas. Building a repertoire of common discontinuous verbs helps improve naturalness of expression.