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HSK 2.0 Cấp 3+ HSK 3.0 Cấp 3+ 6 phút đọc

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.

Luyện tập trọng tâm

Luyện đúng mẫu này trước khi chuyển sang phần khác.

这个字我看 懂。

Missing grammar piece
Nghĩa
potential complement marker