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HSK 2.0 Level 3+ HSK 3.0 Level 3+ 6 min read

Potential Complements

Say can understand, cannot finish, can see clearly, and cannot get in.

Pattern

Verb + 得/不 + complement

Use 得 or 不 to show whether the result is possible.

这个字我看得懂。

When to use Potential Complements

Potential complements put 得 or 不 between the verb and result complement. They express whether the outcome can be achieved.

作业太多，我做不完。

There is too much homework; I cannot finish it.

他说得太快，我听不懂。

He speaks too fast; I cannot understand by listening.

这本书我看得完。

I can finish reading this book.

门太小，进不去。

The door is too small; I cannot get in.

Common traps

  • Do not use 会 when the issue is whether a specific result can be reached.
  • Potential complements are different from completed result complements.
  • The negative marker goes between verb and complement.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

这个字我看 懂。

Missing grammar piece
Meanings
potential complement marker