动词+不/得+结果 — verb + potential complement
HSK 3 | grammar pattern | expresses whether an action can or cannot achieve its result
动词+不/得+结果 (Verb + Potential Complement)
The potential complement inserts 得 (de) or 不 (bù) between a verb and its result complement to express whether the action can or cannot achieve the intended result. 得 signals possibility; 不 signals impossibility.
Structure
- Affirmative: Verb + 得 + Result Complement
- Negative: Verb + 不 + Result Complement
Common result complements: 完 (wán, finish), 到 (dào, reach/attain), 了 (liǎo, manage to), 懂 (dǒng, understand), 好 (hǎo, do well), 见 (jiàn, perceive).
Example Sentences
这本书太难了，我看不懂。 Zhè běn shū tài nán le, wǒ kàn bù dǒng. This book is too difficult; I can't understand it.
放心，这点工作我做得完。 Fàngxīn, zhè diǎn gōngzuò wǒ zuò de wán. Don't worry, I can finish this amount of work.
音乐太小声了，我听不见。 Yīnyuè tài xiǎoshēng le, wǒ tīng bù jiàn. The music is too quiet; I can't hear it.
今天的作业不多，你一定写得完。 Jīntiān de zuòyè bù duō, nǐ yīdìng xiě de wán. Today's homework isn't much; you can definitely finish writing it.
Common Potential Complements
| Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 听得懂 / 听不懂 | can / can't understand (by listening) |
| 看得见 / 看不见 | can / can't see |
| 做得完 / 做不完 | can / can't finish doing |
| 吃得了 / 吃不了 | can / can't manage to eat (all) |
| 写得好 / 写不好 | can / can't write well |
Memory Hook
得 (de) opens the gate between the action and the result; 不 closes it. Picture a door between the verb and its outcome: 得 means the door swings open, 不 means it stays shut.