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.
Exercício direcionado
Pratique exatamente este padrão antes de avançar.
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