Chinese Potential Complements: Can you reach the result? (V + 得 + R)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use V + 得 + R to express that an action is possible, and V + 不 + R to express impossibility.
- Affirmative: {看|kàn} + {得|de} + {懂|dǒng} (I can understand by reading/watching).
- Negative: {看|kàn} + {不|bù} + {懂|dǒng} (I cannot understand by reading/watching).
- Question: {看|kàn} + {得|de} + {懂|dǒng} + {吗|ma}? (Can you understand it?)
Overview
Chinese grammar often emphasizes the result of an action as much as the action itself. This focus is perfectly captured by potential complements, which are a fundamental aspect of clear and precise communication in Chinese. Specifically, the V + 得 + R pattern allows you to express that an action (represented by the verb V) can achieve a specific outcome or state (represented by the resultative complement R) under existing conditions.
It's not merely about general ability, but about the feasibility of reaching a defined result.
For an A1 learner, understanding V + 得 + R is a significant step beyond simply using 能 (néng) or 会 (huì) to mean 'can'. While 能 often expresses general ability or permission, and 会 denotes a learned skill, V + 得 + R addresses whether a concrete, specific result is attainable. Think of it as answering the question: "Is the successful outcome of this action within reach?" This grammatical structure allows you to convey nuanced meaning about an action's potential for completion, reflecting a core linguistic principle of Chinese.
This construction functions as a bridge, linking an action to its potential conclusion. Mastering it will make your Chinese sound far more natural and precise, allowing you to articulate whether tasks can be completed, things can be understood, or goals can be reached. It is pervasive in everyday conversation, from daily planning to making observations about your surroundings, and is essential for developing communicative competence.
How This Grammar Works
V + 得 + R structure forms a compound verbal unit that asserts a positive potential outcome. It integrates the action, the possibility, and the result into a single, cohesive phrase. This pattern distinguishes itself by directly addressing the achievability of a result given the current circumstances, rather than a broad statement of capability.得 (de) acts as the critical link, signifying that the action V has the potential to lead to the result R.- V (Verb): This is the action word. It describes the physical or mental activity being performed. Common examples include
看 (kàn)(to look, to read),听 (tīng)(to listen),吃 (chī)(to eat),写 (xiě)(to write),做 (zuò)(to do, to make), and找 (zhǎo)(to look for, to find). The verb initiates the process that may or may not lead to the desired outcome.
- 得 (de): In this specific grammatical pattern,
得 (de)functions as a potential particle. It connects the verbVto the resultative complementR, indicating that the action can lead to the specified result. It's crucial to understand that in this context,得 (de)does not carry its original meaning of 'to get' or 'to obtain' (děi). Its role here is purely grammatical, acting as a marker of potential. Historically, this得evolved from its lexical meaning of 'to obtain', eventually grammaticizing into a marker of successful attainment or possibility within verb-complement structures.
- R (Resultative Complement): This is perhaps the most vital part of the construction. The resultative complement describes the direct outcome, state, or conclusion achieved by the action of the verb. It clarifies what happens as a consequence of
V. Examples include懂 (dǒng)(to understand),完 (wán)(to finish, to be used up),到 (dào)(to reach, to achieve, to arrive),见 (jiàn)(to perceive, to see),好 (hǎo)(to be good, to be done well),开 (kāi)(to open), and清楚 (qīngchu)(to be clear). Without a resultative complement, the potential complement cannot be formed.
听得懂 (tīng de dǒng). Here, 听 (tīng) is the action (to listen), 得 (de) signals potential, and 懂 (dǒng) is the desired result (to understand). Together, it means 'can understand by listening'.能听 (néng tīng) (can listen), as 听得懂 explicitly confirms the success of the listening in achieving comprehension. For instance, 我听得懂你说的话 (Wǒ tīng de dǒng nǐ shuō de huà) means "I can understand what you are saying," implying the message is clear enough for you to grasp.V + 得 + R specifically addresses the successful outcome of an action under given conditions. For example, 这本书我看得完 (Zhè běn shū wǒ kàn de wán) means "I can finish reading this book," explicitly stating the achievability of completing the entire book.Formation Pattern
V + 得 + R is consistent and straightforward. You combine a verb, the particle 得 (de), and a resultative complement R to create a new, compound verb phrase. This phrase then functions as a single unit within the sentence, indicating that the action of V has the potential to bring about R.
写 (xiě) - write, 找 (zhǎo) - look for, 打 (dǎ) - hit/make |
得 (de) | The potential marker, connecting V to R. | 得 (de) |
完 (wán) - finish, 到 (dào) - reach, 通 (tōng) - through/connect |
V + 得 + R
V + 完 (wán): to finish/complete the action.
吃得完 (chī de wán): can finish eating. (这么多菜，你吃得完吗？ (Zhè me duō cài, nǐ chī de wán ma?) - So much food, can you finish eating it?)
做得完 (zuò de wán): can finish doing/making. (这份报告我今天做得完。 (Zhè fèn bàogào wǒ jīntiān zuò de wán.) - I can finish this report today.)
V + 懂 (dǒng): to understand through the action.
听得懂 (tīng de dǒng): can understand by listening. (老师说的话我听得懂。 (Lǎoshī shuō de huà wǒ tīng de dǒng.) - I can understand what the teacher is saying.)
看得懂 (kàn de dǒng): can understand by reading/looking. (这份文件我看得懂。 (Zhè fèn wénjiàn wǒ kàn de dǒng.) - I can understand this document.)
V + 到 (dào): to reach/achieve/find through the action.
买得到 (mǎi de dào): can successfully buy/obtain. (这张票我买得到。 (Zhè zhāng piào wǒ mǎi de dào.) - I can buy this ticket.)
找得到 (zhǎo de dào): can successfully find. (我的手机我找得到。 (Wǒ de shǒujī wǒ zhǎo de dào.) - I can find my phone.)
V + 见 (jiàn): to perceive/see/hear through the senses.
看得见 (kàn de jiàn): can see/perceive visually. (外面太黑了，我看得见吗？ (Wàimiàn tài hēi le, wǒ kàn de jiàn ma?) - It's too dark outside, can I see?)
听得见 (tīng de jiàn): can hear/perceive audibly. (你说话小声点，我听得见。 (Nǐ shuōhuà xiǎoshēng diǎn, wǒ tīng de jiàn.) - You can speak softly, I can hear you.)
V + 好 (hǎo): to complete well/satisfactorily.
做得好 (zuò de hǎo): can do well/can finish doing. (这项工作我做得好。 (Zhè xiàng gōngzuò wǒ zuò de hǎo.) - I can do this job well.) Note: This form can sometimes be ambiguous without context as it can also be a descriptive complement 'done well'. For potential, it implies 'can successfully achieve a good outcome'.
V + 开 (kāi): to open/separate through the action.
打得开 (dǎ de kāi): can open by hitting/turning. (这个瓶子我打得开。 (Zhège píngzi wǒ dǎ de kāi.) - I can open this bottle.)
V + 下 (xià): to fit into/down/accommodate.
穿得下 (chuān de xià): can fit into (clothing). (这件衣服你穿得下吗？ (Zhè jiàn yīfu nǐ chuān de xià ma?) - Can you fit into this piece of clothing?)
放得下 (fàng de xià): can fit (something somewhere), can put down. (这个箱子放得下所有东西。 (Zhège xiāngzi fàng de xià suǒyǒu dōngxī.) - This box can hold everything.)
V + 得 + R construction.
我看得懂中文。 (Wǒ kàn de dǒng Zhōngwén.) - I can understand Chinese.
他买得到票。 (Tā mǎi de dào piào.) - He can buy the ticket.
中文我看得懂。 (Zhōngwén wǒ kàn de dǒng.) - As for Chinese, I can understand it.
这封信你写得完吗？ (Zhè fēng xìn nǐ xiě de wán ma?) - As for this letter, can you finish writing it?
When To Use It
V + 得 + R potential complement is used to affirm that a specific action can successfully lead to a desired outcome under the present conditions. It explicitly states that the path from action to result is achievable. This makes it distinct from simply stating general ability.- To Confirm the Achievability of a Specific Task: Use
V + 得 + Rwhen you want to state that a particular action can be completed or its objective reached within the current context. This often implies overcoming a potential difficulty or constraint. - Example:
这份工作我做得完。 (Zhè fèn gōngzuò wǒ zuò de wán.)- I can finish this job. (Implying it might be a lot of work, but you are confident you can complete it.) - Example:
这件行李你拿得动吗？ (Zhè jiàn xíngli nǐ ná de dòng ma?)- Can you lift this luggage? (Literally 'can you lift it to make it move?'). This asks about your physical ability for this specific item.
- For Successful Sensory Perception and Comprehension: When dealing with verbs of seeing, hearing, or understanding,
V + 得 + Rconfirms that the perception or comprehension is successful. - Example:
这里太吵了，我听得见你说什么。 (Zhèlǐ tài chǎo le, wǒ tīng de jiàn nǐ shuō shénme.)- It's too noisy here, but I can still hear what you're saying. (Despite the noise, the result of hearing is achieved.) - Example:
黑板上的字你看得清楚吗？ (Hēibǎn shàng de zì nǐ kàn de qīngchu ma?)- Can you see the words on the blackboard clearly? (Asking if the clarity of vision is sufficient for the result of 'seeing clearly'.)
- To Express Successful Attainment or Arrival: This pattern is frequently used with resultative complements like
到 (dào)when the action leads to finding something, reaching a place, or acquiring an item. - Example:
我找得到那家咖啡馆。 (Wǒ zhǎo de dào nà jiā kāfēiguǎn.)- I can find that coffee shop. (You know the way or have a map.) - Example:
明天我起得来。 (Míngtiān wǒ qǐ de lái.)- I can get up tomorrow. (Implying you won't oversleep or are not too tired.)
- Regarding Physical Accommodation and Capacity: When discussing whether something can fit into a space or if there is enough room/capacity.
- Example:
冰箱里还放得下啤酒。 (Bīngxiāng lǐ hái fàng de xià píjiǔ.)- The fridge can still fit beer. (There's enough space.) - Example:
这间小卧室睡得下三个人。 (Zhè jiān xiǎo wòshì shuì de xià sān ge rén.)- This small bedroom can sleep three people. (It has the capacity.)
- Cultural Insight: Efficiency in Communication: The widespread use of potential complements in Chinese highlights a preference for conveying both action and its outcome concisely. Instead of a multi-word explanation,
V + 得 + Rintegrates this complex idea into a compact linguistic unit. This reflects a practical, results-oriented aspect of Chinese communication, where knowing if a goal is achievable is often paramount. It’s about being pragmatic and direct.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing
V + 得 + Rwith能 (néng)or会 (huì): This is arguably the most frequent mistake. Remember their distinct uses: 能 (néng): Expresses general ability, permission, or objective possibility. It states a broad capability or that something is allowed or possible in general.- Example:
我能说汉语。 (Wǒ néng shuō Hànyǔ.)- I can speak Chinese. (General ability/skill, or permission if context allows.) 会 (huì): Expresses a learned skill or a future likelihood. It refers to an ability acquired through learning.- Example:
我会开车。 (Wǒ huì kāichē.)- I can drive a car. (Learned skill.) V + 得 + R: Expresses the achievability of a specific result under current conditions. It focuses on whether an action can successfully conclude in a particular way.- Example:
这份作业我写得完。 (Zhè fèn zuòyè wǒ xiě de wán.)- I can finish this homework. (Focus on completing this specific task.)
能 (néng) | 会 (huì) | V + 得 + R |我能去。 (I can go - permission) | 我会游泳。 (I can swim - skill) | 我看得见。 (I can see - this specific object) |- Misplacing the Object: The object should follow the entire
V + 得 + Rphrase, or be placed at the beginning of the sentence for topic-fronting. Placing it betweenVand得or得andRis incorrect. - Incorrect:
我看得中文懂。(Wǒ kàn de Zhōngwén dǒng.) - The object中文is incorrectly placed. - Correct:
我看得懂中文。(Wǒ kàn de dǒng Zhōngwén.)- I can understand Chinese. - Correct:
中文我看得懂。 (Zhōngwén wǒ kàn de dǒng.)- Chinese, I can understand it.
- Confusing Potential
得 (de)with Descriptive得 (de): This is a common source of confusion because both use the same character得and pronunciationde. However, their grammatical roles are entirely different. - Potential Complement (
V + 得 + R):得links the verb to a result that can be achieved. Example:他写得完。 (Tā xiě de wán.)- He can finish writing. (完is a result). - Descriptive Complement (
V + 得 + Adjective/Adverb):得links the verb to a description of how the action was performed. Example:他写得很好。 (Tā xiě de hěn hǎo.)- He writes very well. (很好describes the manner of writing, not a result). - Always identify whether the element after
得describes a result or a manner to distinguish between these two uses.
- Incorrect Resultative Complement (R) Choice: Ensure the chosen
Rlogically follows the action ofV. Not everyRcan combine with everyV. - Illogical:
吃得懂 (chī de dǒng)(can understand by eating). Unless in a very specific, metaphorical context, this doesn't make sense. You听得懂 (tīng de dǒng)or看得懂 (kàn de dǒng), but not typically吃得懂. - Logical:
吃得完 (chī de wán)(can finish eating).
- Overgeneralizing the Meaning of
得 (de): While得 (de)means 'to obtain' as a main verb, and 'must' asděi, within theV + 得 + Rstructure, its meaning is solely that of a potential marker. Do not translate it literally as 'get' or 'obtain' in this context.
- Forgetting the Negative Form: The negative potential complement uses
V + 不 (bù) + R. It's a related but distinct pattern. Forgetting to switch from得to不when expressing inability to achieve a result is a common oversight. - Example:
我看不懂。 (Wǒ kàn bu dǒng.)- I cannot understand (by looking). (Incorrect:我看得不懂。)
V + 得 + R effectively.Real Conversations
V + 得 + R is deeply embedded in everyday Chinese conversation, reflecting a constant assessment of feasibility and outcome. You'll hear it in quick exchanges, planning, problem-solving, and general observations. Pay attention to how native speakers use it to convey nuanced meanings.
1. Daily Tasks & Capabilities:
A
这么多饺子，你吃得完吗？ (Zhè me duō jiǎozi, nǐ chī de wán ma?)B
嗯，我吃得完！ (Èn, wǒ chī de wán!)(Translation: A: So many dumplings, can you finish eating them? B: Hmm, I can finish them!)*
Here, 吃得完 (chī de wán) is used to confirm the ability to complete a specific task (eating this specific amount of dumplings), not just a general capacity to eat.
2. Sensory Perception & Comprehension:
A
你听得见我说话吗？这里有点吵。 (Nǐ tīng de jiàn wǒ shuōhuà ma? Zhèlǐ yǒudiǎn chǎo.)B
听得见，没问题。 (Tīng de jiàn, méi wèntí.)(Translation: A: Can you hear me talking? It's a bit noisy here. B: I can hear you, no problem.)*
听得见 (tīng de jiàn) confirms that despite the noise, the result of 'hearing' is achieved. Similarly, 看得懂 (kàn de dǒng) is commonly used when discussing foreign languages or complex texts. For example, 这份中文报告我看得懂。 (Zhè fèn Zhōngwén bàogào wǒ kàn de dǒng.) means "I can understand this Chinese report."
3. Finding and Acquiring:
A
我的钥匙丢了，找得到吗？ (Wǒ de yàoshi diū le, zhǎo de dào ma?)B
别急，我帮你找，应该找得到。 (Bié jí, wǒ bāng nǐ zhǎo, yīnggāi zhǎo de dào.)(Translation: A: My keys are lost, can they be found? B: Don't worry, I'll help you look, they should be findable.)*
找得到 (zhǎo de dào) indicates the successful outcome of the search. This is often used when searching for items, information, or even people.
4. Physical Accommodation and Space:
A
这么多书，这个小书架放得下吗？ (Zhè me duō shū, zhège xiǎo shūjià fàng de xià ma?)B
放得下，我试试看。 (Fàng de xià, wǒ shìshi kàn.)(Translation: A: So many books, can this small bookshelf hold them all? B: It can hold them, I'll try.)*
放得下 (fàng de xià) addresses the capacity of the bookshelf to accommodate the books. This is a practical use often heard when organizing things or packing.
5. Common Expressive Phrases:
- 来得及 (lái de jí): Can make it in time. (我们跑快点，还来得及。 (Wǒmen pǎo kuài diǎn, hái lái de jí.) - If we run faster, we can still make it in time.)
- 去得了 (qù de liǎo) (colloquial): Can go. (太远了，我今天去得了吗？ (Tài yuǎn le, wǒ jīntiān qù de liǎo ma?) - It's too far, can I go today?)
- 做得来 (zuò de lái): Can manage/do (the task). (这个任务有点难，你做得来吗？ (Zhège rènwu yǒudiǎn nán, nǐ zuò de lái ma?) - This task is a bit difficult, can you do it?)
These examples illustrate that V + 得 + R isn't just a grammatical pattern; it's a tool for active, dynamic communication about the possibilities and limitations of actions in the real world. Integrating these phrases into your active vocabulary will significantly enhance your fluency.
Quick FAQ
V + 得 + R and 能 + V (+ R)?能 (néng) indicates general ability, permission, or objective possibility. It means 'can' in a broad sense. V + 得 + R specifically indicates the achievability of a result given current circumstances. For example, 我能说汉语 (Wǒ néng shuō Hànyǔ) meansPotential Complement Structure
| Type | Verb | Particle | Result | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
看
|
得
|
见
|
看得见
|
|
Negative
|
看
|
不
|
见
|
看不见
|
|
Question
|
看
|
得/不
|
见
|
看得见吗?
|
|
Affirmative
|
听
|
得
|
懂
|
听得懂
|
|
Negative
|
听
|
不
|
懂
|
听不懂
|
|
Question
|
听
|
得/不
|
懂
|
听得懂吗?
|
Meanings
This structure indicates whether the result of an action is achievable or not based on circumstances or ability.
Physical Ability
Capability to perform an action.
“{我|wǒ} + {跑|pǎo} + {得|de} + {快|kuài}。”
“{他|tā} + {拿|ná} + {得|de} + {动|dòng} + {这|zhè} + {个|ge} + {箱|xiāng} + {子|zi}。”
Cognitive/Sensory Ability
Capability to perceive or understand.
“{我|wǒ} + {看|kàn} + {得|de} + {清|qīng} + {楚|chu}。”
“{你|nǐ} + {听|tīng} + {得|de} + {见|jiàn} + {吗|ma}？”
Circumstantial Possibility
Whether external conditions allow for a result.
“{这|zhè} + {里|lǐ} + {坐|zuò} + {得|de} + {下|xià} + {十|shí} + {个|ge} + {人|rén}。”
“{我|wǒ} + {买|mǎi} + {不|bù} + {到|dào} + {票|piào}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V + 得 + R
|
我吃得完
|
|
Negative
|
V + 不 + R
|
我吃不完
|
|
Question
|
V + 得 + R + 吗
|
你吃得完吗?
|
|
A-not-A
|
V + 得 + R + V + 不 + R
|
你吃得完吃不完?
|
|
Object
|
V + 得/不 + R + Object
|
我看得懂书
|
|
Directional
|
V + 得/不 + Dir
|
我走得进去
|
Formality Spectrum
您能完成这项工作吗？ (Workplace)
工作做得完吗？ (Workplace)
做得完吗？ (Workplace)
搞得定吗？ (Workplace)
Potential Complement Map
Physical
- 跑得快 can run fast
Cognitive
- 听得懂 can understand
Space
- 坐得下 can fit
Examples by Level
{我|wǒ} + {看|kàn} + {得|de} + {见|jiàn}。
I can see.
{我|wǒ} + {听|tīng} + {不|bù} + {见|jiàn}。
I cannot hear.
{他|tā} + {吃|chī} + {得|de} + {完|wán}。
He can finish eating.
{我|wǒ} + {走|zǒu} + {得|de} + {动|dòng}。
I can walk.
{你|nǐ} + {听|tīng} + {得|de} + {懂|dǒng} + {吗|ma}？
Can you understand (what is said)?
{这|zhè} + {个|ge} + {字|zì} + {我|wǒ} + {写|xiě} + {不|bù} + {出|chū} + {来|lái}。
I cannot write this character out.
{我|wǒ} + {找|zhǎo} + {不|bù} + {到|dào} + {钥|yào} + {匙|shi}。
I cannot find the keys.
{他|tā} + {跑|pǎo} + {得|de} + {快|kuài} + {吗|ma}？
Can he run fast?
{这|zhè} + {个|ge} + {房|fáng} + {间|jiān} + {住|zhù} + {得|de} + {下|xià} + {三|sān} + {个|ge} + {人|rén}。
This room can fit three people.
{我|wǒ} + {记|jì} + {得|de} + {住|zhù} + {这|zhè} + {个|ge} + {电|diàn} + {话|huà} + {号|hào} + {码|mǎ}。
I can remember this phone number.
{明|míng} + {天|tiān} + {的|de} + {会|huì} + {议|yì} + {我|wǒ} + {参|cān} + {加|jiā} + {得|de} + {了|liǎo}。
I can attend tomorrow's meeting.
{这|zhè} + {本|běn} + {书|shū} + {我|wǒ} + {看|kàn} + {得|de} + {完|wán}。
I can finish reading this book.
{这|zhè} + {种|zhǒng} + {压|yā} + {力|lì} + {我|wǒ} + {受|shòu} + {得|de} + {了|liǎo}。
I can handle this kind of pressure.
{他|tā} + {说|shuō} + {的|de} + {话|huà} + {我|wǒ} + {理|lǐ} + {解|jiě} + {得|de} + {了|liǎo}。
I can understand what he is saying.
{这|zhè} + {个|ge} + {问|wèn} + {题|tí} + {我|wǒ} + {解|jiě} + {决|jué} + {得|de} + {了|liǎo}。
I can solve this problem.
{他|tā} + {的|de} + {速|sù} + {度|dù} + {我|wǒ} + {跟|gēn} + {得|de} + {上|shàng}。
I can keep up with his speed.
{这|zhè} + {种|zhǒng} + {复|fù} + {杂|zá} + {的|de} + {情|qíng} + {况|kuàng} + {他|tā} + {应|yìng} + {付|fu} + {得|de} + {来|lái}。
He can handle such complex situations.
{这|zhè} + {件|jiàn} + {事|shì} + {我|wǒ} + {办|bàn} + {得|de} + {成|chéng}。
I can get this done.
{他|tā} + {的|de} + {思|sī} + {维|wéi} + {我|wǒ} + {跟|gēn} + {得|de} + {上|shàng}。
I can follow his line of thinking.
{这|zhè} + {个|ge} + {计|jì} + {划|huà} + {实|shí} + {施|shī} + {得|de} + {下|xià} + {去|qù} + {吗|ma}？
Can this plan be implemented?
{这|zhè} + {种|zhǒng} + {文|wén} + {化|huà} + {差|chā} + {异|yì} + {我|wǒ} + {适|shì} + {应|yìng} + {得|de} + {来|lái}。
I can adapt to this kind of cultural difference.
{这|zhè} + {样|yàng} + {的|de} + {挑|tiǎo} + {战|zhàn} + {我|wǒ} + {承|chéng} + {受|shòu} + {得|de} + {住|zhù}。
I can withstand such challenges.
{这|zhè} + {个|ge} + {项|xiàng} + {目|mù} + {我|wǒ} + {推|tuī} + {进|jìn} + {得|de} + {下|xià} + {去|qù}。
I can push this project forward.
{他|tā} + {的|de} + {语|yǔ} + {气|qì} + {我|wǒ} + {听|tīng} + {得|de} + {出|chū} + {来|lái}。
I can discern his tone.
Easily Confused
Learners use '能' for everything.
Mixing up '看懂' (result) and '看得懂' (potential).
Mixing up '走进去' (walk in) and '走得进去' (can walk in).
Common Mistakes
我得看懂
我看得懂
看得懂书
看得懂书 (Wait, this is correct, but '看书得懂' is wrong)
我得看
我看得见
我看不
我看不见
我能看得见
我看得见
看得见吗
看得见吗?
我看不懂书
我看不懂书
我买得票
我买得到票
我走得动路
我走得动
他听得懂吗
他听得懂吗?
这事办得成
这事办得成
他应付得来
他应付得来
我承受得住
我承受得住
Sentence Patterns
我___得___。
你___得___吗？
这个房间___得下___个人。
这种压力我___得住。
Real World Usage
这顿饭吃得完吗？
这电影看得懂！
我能应付得来。
买得到票吗？
听得懂吗？
记不住了。
Focus on the result
Don't double up
Use A-not-A
Be direct
Smart Tips
Use V+不+R instead of '不能V'.
Move it to the end.
Use A-not-A for emphasis.
Use '住' or '下' for space/memory.
Pronunciation
The 'de' particle
In this structure, '得' is pronounced as 'de' (neutral tone), not 'dé' or 'dě'.
Question intonation
看得懂吗↑
Rising intonation at the end for yes/no questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '得' as a green light (Go!) and '不' as a red light (Stop!).
Visual Association
Imagine a door. If you can fit through, you see a '得' sign. If you are too big, you see a '不' sign.
Rhyme
得 is for yes, 不 is for no, put them in the middle to let the meaning flow.
Story
Xiao Wang wants to eat a giant pizza. He looks at it and says '吃得完!' (I can finish it!). But after two slices, he is full. He sighs, '吃不完' (I can't finish it).
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, look at objects around you and say if you can or cannot use them (e.g., '我拿得动这个杯子').
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily life to express efficiency.
Similar usage, but sometimes uses '可以' more frequently.
Often map this to their own potential complement structure.
Derived from the grammaticalization of the verb '得' (to obtain).
Conversation Starters
你今天吃得完这么多菜吗？
你听得懂中文歌吗？
这个项目你做得完吗？
你觉得你适应得来这里的生活吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我听___懂。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我能看得见。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I can remember.
Answer starts with: 我记得...
A: 你买得到票吗? B: ___.
Use: 走, 得, 动
Which is negative?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我听___懂。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我能看得见。
完 / 吃 / 得 / 我
I can remember.
A: 你买得到票吗? B: ___.
Use: 走, 得, 动
Which is negative?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesI can hear you.
1.{这}|Zhè 2.{书}|shū 3.{我}|wǒ 4.{懂}|dǒng 5.{看}|kàn 6.{得}|de
Match the following:
{我的手机在哪儿？我找不___|Wǒ de shǒujī zài nǎ'er? Wǒ zhǎo bù ___}!
Which of these is a potential complement?
{这个汉字，你写得完吗|Zhè ge hànzì, nǐ xiě de wán ma}?
Can you finish it?
Which sentence describes if a result is possible?
{太远了，我看___老师写的字|Tài yuǎn le, wǒ kàn ___ lǎoshī xiě de zì}.
Match situation with Potential:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it's redundant. Use one or the other.
Always after the complement.
Yes, in this structure.
You must use a result complement. If you don't know one, use a general one like '到'.
Add '吗' or use A-not-A.
Yes, but be careful with the register.
'会' is for learned skills.
Most verbs, but it must make sense to have a result.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Poder + infinitive
Word order and placement of the 'can' element.
Pouvoir + infinitive
Pre-verbal vs post-verbal.
Können
Modal verb vs complement system.
〜ことができる
Suffix vs infix-like complement.
يستطيع
Verb-initial vs complement-based.
V+得+R
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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