Verb + 得/不 + Complement (potential complement)
Meaning
The potential complement structure uses 得 (affirmative) or 不 (negative) between a verb and a complement to express whether an action can or cannot achieve a certain result. The affirmative form (Verb + 得 + Complement) means the result is achievable, while the negative form (Verb + 不 + Complement) means it is not.
Potential complements are one of the most distinctive features of Chinese grammar. They differ from using 能 or 可以 (can) because they focus on whether a result is objectively achievable, not on permission or ability. Common complements include resultative ones (完, 到, 见, 懂, 好) and directional ones (来, 去, 上, 下, 进, 出). For example: 看得见 (can see), 看不见 (cannot see), 听得懂 (can understand by listening), 吃不完 (cannot finish eating). The negative form with 不 is used much more frequently than the affirmative form with 得 in everyday speech. When asking questions, both forms are combined: 看得见看不见？
Examples
- 教室里太吵了，我听不清老师说什么。 It's too noisy in the classroom — I can't hear what the teacher is saying.
- 这么多菜，我们吃得完吗？ There's so much food — can we finish it all?
- 这个字太小了，我看不见。 This character is too small — I can't see it.
Usage Guide
Context: spoken, written, everyday
Tone: descriptive
Do Say
- 这本书太厚了，一个星期读不完。
- 你的声音很大，我听得见。
- 他说话太快了，我跟不上。
- 这个沙发太大，门太小，搬不进去。
Don't Say
- 我不能听见他说的话。(When expressing whether a result can be achieved, use the potential complement 听不见 instead of 不能 + verb + complement) → 我听不见他说的话。
- 他的话我不听懂。(The negative potential complement requires 不 between verb and complement — say 听不懂, not 不听懂) → 他的话我听不懂。
Origin & History
The potential complement structure emerged during the Tang Dynasty when 得 and 不 were inserted between verbs and their resultative complements to express potential meanings. This structure replaced earlier constructions and became fully established by the Song Dynasty.
Cultural Context
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Related Phrases
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