Cannot Do It: Chinese Negative Potential Complements (V + 不 + Result)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'V + 不 + Result' to express that an action cannot be completed due to physical or logical impossibility.
- Use '不' between the verb and the result complement: {看不见|kàn bù jiàn} (cannot see).
- This structure is for inability, not just refusal: {听不懂|tīng bù dǒng} (cannot understand by listening).
- Do not use '了' or '过' with this structure: {买不到|mǎi bù dào} (cannot buy).
Overview
As a learner navigating the Chinese language, you'll quickly discover that directly translating English grammatical structures often leads to unnatural or incorrect expressions. One such area where this becomes particularly evident is in expressing inability or impossibility. You might instinctively want to say something like 我不能听懂 (Wǒ bù néng tīng dǒng) to mean "I can't understand [what I hear]", but while 不能 (bù néng) does mean "cannot", its usage is significantly different from the structure we'll explore here.
This chapter introduces you to a fundamental and frequently used grammatical pattern: the Negative Potential Complement, specifically the V + 不 + Result structure.
This pattern is crucial because it allows you to communicate that an action cannot achieve its intended or desired result, not due to a lack of permission, but due to objective limitations or insufficient conditions. Imagine you're trying to listen to a Chinese podcast, but the audio quality is poor, or the speakers are too fast. You're not forbidden from understanding; you simply cannot physically or mentally achieve the understanding because of external factors or your current capacity.
This is precisely when you would use the V + 不 + Result structure. It's an indispensable tool for clearly and idiomatically expressing various forms of unreachability, from physical constraints like not being able to finish a meal to cognitive barriers like not being able to comprehend complex information. Mastering this complement system at the A1 level will immediately elevate your communicative precision in Chinese.
How This Grammar Works
听懂 (tīng dǒng), 听 (tīng) means "to listen", and 懂 (dǒng) means "to understand".V + 不 + Result structure focuses on the objective impossibility of achieving a result. It is not about permission or prohibition, which is the primary domain of 不能 (bù néng). Consider these distinctions:我不能去(Wǒ bù néng qù): "I cannot go" (e.g., I'm not allowed, I have a prior engagement, it's against the rules). The inability is often external or a matter of choice/circumstance.我走不去(Wǒ zǒu bu qù): "I cannot go [there by walking]" (e.g., the destination is too far, my legs are tired, the path is blocked). The inability is about the physical execution of the action and its resulting state.
不 (bù) particle, when inserted between the verb and its resultative complement, acts as the negative marker for potential. It transforms a statement of potential (V + 得 + R, e.g., 听得懂 tīng de dǒng - "can understand by listening") into a statement of inability to achieve that potential. The 不 here is pronounced with a neutral tone, often very lightly, merging almost seamlessly with the surrounding sounds.Formation Pattern
不 (bù), and a Resultative Complement (R). The 不 (bù) is always inserted directly between the main verb and its complement, signaling that the result cannot be achieved. The resultative complement itself can be another verb or an adjective, indicating the state or outcome.
不 (bù) in this construction is almost always pronounced in a neutral tone (bu), losing its original fourth tone. This phonetic change is a subtle but important marker of its function within the potential complement system. It indicates a grammatical bond rather than a simple negation.
不 (bù) | Resultative Complement (R) | Combined Form | Pinyin | Meaning |
听 (tīng) | 不 (bu) | 懂 (dǒng) | 听不懂 | tīng bu dǒng | can't understand (by listening) |
看 (kàn) | 不 (bu) | 见 (jiàn) | 看不见 | kàn bu jiàn | can't see |
吃 (chī) | 不 (bu) | 完 (wán) | 吃不完 | chī bu wán | can't finish eating |
喝 (hē) | 不 (bu) | 光 (guāng) | 喝不光 | hē bu guāng | can't finish drinking (all up) |
买 (mǎi) | 不 (bu) | 起 (qǐ) | 买不起 | mǎi bu qǐ | can't afford to buy |
走 (zǒu) | 不 (bu) | 动 (dòng) | 走不动 | zǒu bu dòng | can't walk anymore/move on foot |
拿 (ná) | 不 (bu) | 动 (dòng) | 拿不动 | ná bu dòng | can't lift/carry (too heavy) |
住 (zhù) | 不 (bu) | 惯 (guàn) | 住不惯 | zhù bu guàn | can't get used to living (somewhere) |
看 (kàn) is the verb, 不 (bu) is the negative potential marker, and 清楚 (qīngchu - clear) is the adjective serving as the resultative complement.
吃 (chī) is the verb, 不 (bu) is the marker, and 下去 (xiàqù - go down) indicates the physical act of consumption becoming impossible.
听 (tīng) is the verb, 不 (bu) is the marker, and 见 (jiàn - to see/perceive) is the resultative complement indicating the perception of sound.
不 directly negates the result (清楚, 下去, 见) of the action, not the action itself. You are attempting to 看 (see), 吃 (eat), 听 (listen), but the desired outcome is unattainable.
When To Use It
V + 不 + Result structure is deployed whenever you want to express an inability to achieve a specific outcome, regardless of effort. The core idea is that some objective impediment or inherent lack prevents the completion or success of the action. It's a statement of factual impossibility, often rooted in physical, sensory, logistical, or financial constraints.- Too heavy/tired:
这个箱子太重了，我拿不动。(Zhège xiāngzi tài zhòng le, wǒ ná bu dòng.) - This box is too heavy, I can't lift/carry it.
- (You try to
拿(lift) but the动(movement) result cannot be achieved.) - Too far/exhausted:
我今天走了太多路，真的走不动了。(Wǒ jīntiān zǒu le tài duō lù, zhēnde zǒu bu dòng le.) - I walked too much today, I really can't walk anymore.
- (You try to
走(walk) but动(moving forward) is impossible due to fatigue.) - Too full/sick to eat:
今天的晚饭太多了，我吃不完。(Jīntiān de wǎnfàn tài duō le, wǒ chī bu wán.) - Tonight's dinner is too much, I can't finish eating it.
- (You try to
吃(eat) but the完(completion) result is beyond your capacity.)
- Poor visibility:
外面太黑了，我看不见路。(Wàimiàn tài hēi le, wǒ kàn bu jiàn lù.) - It's too dark outside, I can't see the road.
- (You attempt to
看(see) but见(perceive) the road is impossible due to darkness.) - Low volume:
音乐声音太小，我听不清楚。(Yīnyuè shēngyīn tài xiǎo, wǒ tīng bu qīngchu.) - The music volume is too low, I can't hear it clearly.
- (You try to
听(listen) but清楚(clearly) is not achievable.)
- Language barrier/speed:
这个电影没有字幕，我听不懂。(Zhège diànyǐng méiyǒu zìmù, wǒ tīng bu dǒng.) - This movie has no subtitles, I can't understand it (by listening).
- (You try to
听(listen) but懂(understand) is impossible.) - Difficulty understanding text:
这份文件太专业了，我看不懂。(Zhè fèn wénjiàn tài zhuānyè le, wǒ kàn bu dǒng.) - This document is too technical, I can't understand it (by reading).
- (You try to
看(read) but懂(understand) is not achieved.)
- Lack of funds:
这件衣服太贵了，我买不起。(Zhè jiàn yīfu tài guì le, wǒ mǎi bu qǐ.) - This piece of clothing is too expensive, I can't afford to buy it.
- (You try to
买(buy) but起(afford/get up) is impossible due to cost.) - No room:
我家太小了，住不下这么多人。(Wǒ jiā tài xiǎo le, zhù bu xià zhème duō rén.) - My home is too small, cannot accommodate so many people (live down).
- (You try to
住(live) but下(down/accommodate) is impossible due to space.)
- Doesn't fit:
这条裤子太小了，我穿不上。(Zhè tiáo kùzi tài xiǎo le, wǒ chuān bu shàng.) - These pants are too small, I can't put them on.
- (You try to
穿(wear) but上(on/fitting) is not achieved.) - Can't get used to:
我来中国半年了，还是吃不惯辣的。(Wǒ lái Zhōngguó bànnián le, háishì chī bu guàn là de.) - I've been in China for half a year, but I still can't get used to eating spicy food.
- (You try to
吃(eat) but惯(be accustomed to) is not achieved.)
V + 不 + Result structure communicates an objective inability to realize the outcome of an action, emphasizing the circumstances or inherent limitations rather than a decision or prohibition.Common Mistakes
不能 (bù néng) instead of the V + 不 + Result potential complement. While both convey "cannot," their semantic domains are distinct, and interchangeability often leads to grammatical awkwardness or miscommunication.V + 不 + Result with 不能 (bù néng)不能(bù néng) primarily expresses:- Prohibition/Lack of Permission: Something is not allowed. "You cannot do X."
- Subjective Inability/Choice: The speaker chooses not to, or feels unable for personal reasons (e.g., scheduling conflicts, personal conviction). "I am unable to do X" or "I shouldn't do X."
- External Circumstance (broad): General impossibility that isn't focused on a specific action's result.
V + 不 + Resultexclusively expresses:- Objective Inability to Achieve a Result: Despite effort or desire, the action's intended outcome is objectively impossible due to physical, sensory, cognitive, or external limiting conditions. It's about the actual feasibility of the result.
不能) | Pinyin | Correct Usage (V + 不 + Result) | Pinyin | Explanation |我不能看懂这个电影。 | Wǒ bù néng kàn dǒng zhège diànyǐng. | 我看不懂这个电影。 | Wǒ kàn bu dǒng zhège diànyǐng. | 不能看懂 implies you're forbidden to understand. 看不懂 means you can't comprehend it due to complexity. |我不能吃辣。 | Wǒ bù néng chī là. | 我吃不惯辣的。 | Wǒ chī bu guàn là de. | 不能吃 might mean you're allergic or it's against doctor's orders. 吃不惯 means you haven't adapted to the taste. |我不能进去。 | Wǒ bù néng jìnqù. | 我进不去。 | Wǒ jìn bu qù. | 不能进去 suggests you're not allowed. 进不去 implies a physical barrier (e.g., locked door, too narrow). |我不能听到。 | Wǒ bù néng tīngdào. | 我听不见。 | Wǒ tīng bu jiàn. | 不能听到 is grammatically unusual in this context. 听不见 means external noise prevents hearing. |不能 where V + 不 + Result is appropriate often sounds like a child saying "I'm not allowed" rather than an adult saying "I am physically unable." Always consider the source of the inability: is it permission/choice, or objective feasibility?没 (méi) instead of 不 (bù)- You might recall that
没(méi) is used to negate actions that have occurred in the past or to express "haven't/didn't." However, for potential complements,不(bù) is the exclusive negative particle. Never use没(méi) to form a potential complement. - Incorrect:
我没听懂(Wǒ méi tīng dǒng) - This implies "I didn't understand (in the past)" not "I can't understand." - Correct:
我听不懂(Wǒ tīng bu dǒng) - I can't understand (potential inability).
- The structure is
V + 不 + R. You cannot simply sayV + 不to express potential inability. The resultRis integral to specifying what outcome cannot be achieved. - Incorrect:
我看不。(Wǒ kàn bu.) - Grammatically incomplete and meaningless. - Correct:
我看不懂。(Wǒ kàn bu dǒng.) - I can't understand (by reading). - Correct:
我看不见。(Wǒ kàn bu jiàn.) - I can't see.
不能, 没, and understanding the strict structure of V + 不 + Result, you will avoid these common pitfalls and produce more natural and accurate Chinese.Real Conversations
Understanding how V + 不 + Result complements are used in authentic, everyday communication is key to internalizing this grammar. These examples reflect situations you'll encounter in daily life, ranging from casual chats to practical dilemmas.
Scenario 1
A
这个太难了，我学不会。 (Zhège tài nán le, wǒ xué bu huì.)- This is too hard, I can't learn it.
B
别担心，慢慢来，你可以的。 (Bié dānxīn, mànmàn lái, nǐ kěyǐ de.)- Don't worry, take your time, you can do it.
Scenario 2
A
我们明天去爬山吧？ (Wǒmen míngtiān qù páshān ba?)- Shall we go hiking tomorrow?
B
不行啊，我走不动了，上次爬山腿还疼呢。 (Bùxíng a, wǒ zǒu bu dòng le, shàngcì páshān tuǐ hái téng ne.)- Can't do it. I can't walk anymore/move on foot; my legs still hurt from the last hike.
Scenario 3
A
这碗面你能吃完吗？好多啊。 (Zhè wǎn miàn nǐ néng chī wán ma? Hǎo duō a.)- Can you finish this bowl of noodles? It's so much.
B
我努力试试，但是可能吃不完。 (Wǒ nǔlì shìshì, dànshì kěnéng chī bu wán.)- I'll try hard, but I probably can't finish eating it.
Scenario 4
A
你习惯北方菜吗？ (Nǐ xíguàn běifāng cài ma?)- Are you used to Northern cuisine?
B
不太习惯，有点儿吃不惯面食。 (Bú tài xíguàn, yǒudiǎnr chī bu guàn miànshí.)- Not really, I'm a bit not used to eating wheat-based foods.
Scenario 5
A
喂？你听到我说话吗？ (Wèi? Nǐ tīngdào wǒ shuōhuà ma?)- Hello? Can you hear me talking?
B
有点儿吵，我听不清楚，你再说一遍好吗？ (Yǒudiǎnr chǎo, wǒ tīng bu qīngchu, nǐ zài shuō yī biàn hǎo ma?)- It's a bit noisy, I can't hear clearly. Could you say it again?
These dialogues demonstrate how naturally V + 不 + Result flows in everyday Chinese, reflecting real-world challenges and limitations without resorting to stiff or overly formal expressions. Pay attention to the context – the reason for the inability is usually evident from the surrounding conversation.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Does the tone of
不(bù) always change in this construction? - A: Yes. When
不(bù) is inserted between a verb and its resultative complement (V +不+ R), it almost invariably takes a neutral tone (bu). This is a grammaticalized reduction, signaling that不is functioning as a potential marker rather than a standalone negative particle. While in other contexts不usually carries a fourth tone, or changes to a second tone before another fourth tone, here it is light and quick.
- Q: Can I use
没(méi) instead of不(bù) for potential complements? - A: No, absolutely not.
没(méi) is used to negate actions that have not happened or did not happen in the past (e.g.,我没吃饭- Wǒ méi chī fàn - "I didn't eat/haven't eaten").不(bù) is the dedicated negative particle for potential complements (V +不+ R) to express present or general inability to achieve a result.
- Q: How do I form a question with this structure?
- A: You can form a question in a few ways:
- 1Using
吗(ma): Simply add吗at the end of the statement.
你看得懂这个字吗？(Nǐ kàn de dǒng zhège zì ma?) - Can you understand this character (by reading)?
- 1Using the
V + 得 + R + V + 不 + R(Positive-Negative) form: This is a common and very natural way to ask.
你看得懂看不懂这个字？(Nǐ kàn de dǒng kàn bu dǒng zhège zì?) - Can you or can't you understand this character?
- Q: Are there positive versions of these potential complements?
- A: Yes! The positive counterpart to
V + 不 + RisV + 得 + R. Here,得(de) is a neutral-toned structural particle that indicates the possibility or ability to achieve the result. For example: 听得懂(tīng de dǒng) - can understand (by listening)看得见(kàn de jiàn) - can see吃得完(chī de wán) - can finish eating- The
得(de) also takes a neutral tone, much like不(bu), signifying its grammatical function within the potential complement system. This positive form will be explored in detail in the next chapter.
- Q: Can objects be placed within the
V + 不 + Rstructure? - A: No, the structure V + 不 + R must remain a tight unit. If there is an object, it typically follows the entire potential complement, or sometimes precedes the verb for emphasis.
- Correct:
我看不懂那个电影。(Wǒ kàn bu dǒng nàge diànyǐng.) - I can't understand that movie (by watching). - Incorrect:
我看不那个电影懂。(Wǒ kàn bu nàge diànyǐng dǒng.) - Correct (object before verb):
那个电影我看不懂。(Nàge diànyǐng wǒ kàn bu dǒng.) - That movie, I can't understand it.
Potential Complement Structure
| Type | Structure | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
V + 得 + Result
|
买得起
|
Can afford
|
|
Negative
|
V + 不 + Result
|
买不起
|
Cannot afford
|
|
Question
|
V + 不 + Result + 吗?
|
买不起吗?
|
Can't you afford it?
|
|
A-not-A
|
V + 得 + Result + V + 不 + Result
|
买得起买不起
|
Can you afford it or not?
|
|
Result 1
|
Verb + 到
|
找不到
|
Cannot find
|
|
Result 2
|
Verb + 见
|
看不见
|
Cannot see
|
|
Result 3
|
Verb + 完
|
吃不完
|
Cannot finish
|
|
Result 4
|
Verb + 懂
|
听不懂
|
Cannot understand
|
Meanings
This structure indicates that a specific result cannot be achieved through an action, often due to external circumstances or inherent limitations.
Physical Impossibility
The action cannot reach the intended result.
“{拿|ná}{不|bù}{动|dòng} (cannot move/lift)”
“{吃|chī}{不|bù}{完|wán} (cannot finish eating)”
Logical/Cognitive Inability
The action fails to produce the desired mental or sensory result.
“{听|tīng}{不|bù}{清|qīng} (cannot hear clearly)”
“{记|jì}{不|bù}{住|zhù} (cannot remember)”
Availability/Access
The object cannot be obtained or reached.
“{买|mǎi}{不|bù}{到|dào} (cannot buy/find for purchase)”
“{进|jìn}{不|bù}{去|qù} (cannot enter)”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Negative
|
V + 不 + Result
|
吃不完
|
|
Affirmative
|
V + 得 + Result
|
吃得完
|
|
Question
|
V + 不 + Result + 吗?
|
吃不完吗?
|
|
A-not-A
|
V + 得 + Result + V + 不 + Result
|
吃得完吃不完?
|
|
Object Placement
|
V + 不 + Result + Object
|
买不到票
|
|
Resultative
|
V + 不 + Result
|
看不见
|
Formality Spectrum
我无法完成。 (Restaurant)
我吃不完。 (Restaurant)
吃不完啊。 (Restaurant)
吃不动了。 (Restaurant)
Potential Complement Map
Physical
- 拿不动 Cannot lift
Cognitive
- 听不懂 Cannot understand
Access
- 买不到 Cannot buy
Examples by Level
{吃|chī}{不|bù}{完|wán}
Cannot finish eating
{看|kàn}{不|bù}{见|jiàn}
Cannot see
{听|tīng}{不|bù}{懂|dǒng}
Cannot understand
{走|zǒu}{不|bù}{动|dòng}
Cannot walk
{买|mǎi}{不|bù}{到|dào}票
Cannot buy tickets
{找|zhǎo}{不|bù}{到|dào}人
Cannot find the person
{打|dǎ}{不|bù}{开|kāi}门
Cannot open the door
{记|jì}{不|bù}{住|zhù}
Cannot remember
{这|zhè}个{字|zì}{写|xiě}{不|bù}{出|chū}{来|lái}
I cannot write this character
{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{不|bù}{快|kuài}
He cannot run fast
{我|wǒ}{搬|bān}{不|bù}{动|dòng}这{个|gè}箱子
I cannot move this box
{这|zhè}个{问|wèn}{题|tí}{解|jiě}{决|jué}{不|bù}{了|liǎo}
This problem cannot be solved
{这|zhè}种{情|qíng}{况|kuàng}{预|yù}{料|liào}{不|bù}{到|dào}
This situation could not have been predicted
{他|tā}{的|de}{话|huà}{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{不|bù}{下|xià}{去|qù}
I cannot bear to listen to his words
{这|zhè}个{计|jì}{划|huà}{实|shí}{行|xíng}{不|bù}{下|xià}{去|qù}
This plan cannot be carried out
{我|wǒ}{实|shí}{在|zài}{忍|rěn}{受|shòu}{不|bù}{了|liǎo}
I really cannot endure it
{这|zhè}种{文|wén}{化|huà}{差|chā}{异|yì}{忽|hū}{略|lüè}{不|bù}{得|dé}
This cultural difference cannot be ignored
{他|tā}{的|de}{成|chéng}{就|jiù}{超|chāo}{越|yuè}{不|bù}{了|liǎo}
His achievements cannot be surpassed
{这|zhè}个{决|jué}{定|dìng}{改|gǎi}{变|biàn}{不|bù}{了|liǎo}
This decision cannot be changed
{他|tā}{的|de}{意|yì}{图|tú}{猜|cāi}{不|bù}{透|tòu}
His intentions cannot be fathomed
{此|cǐ}{事|shì}{耽|dān}{误|wù}{不|bù}{得|dé}
This matter cannot be delayed
{这|zhè}种{古|gǔ}{文|wén}{读|dú}{不|bù}{通|tōng}
This classical text cannot be read/understood
{他|tā}{的|de}{才|cái}{华|huá}{掩|yǎn}{盖|gài}{不|bù}{住|zhù}
His talent cannot be hidden
{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{恶|è}{习|xí}{改|gǎi}{不|bù}{掉|diào}
This bad habit cannot be changed
Easily Confused
Learners often use '不能' for everything.
Learners use '没' to negate potential.
Learners add '了' to indicate past tense.
Common Mistakes
买不到了
买不到
不能买到
买不到
买不
买不到
不买到
买不到
听不明白
听不懂
看没见
看不见
吃不完的
吃不完
我不能搬动它
我搬不动它
找不到了
找不到
看不见他
看不见他
解决不了了
解决不了
猜不透的
猜不透
改不掉的习惯
改不掉的习惯
Sentence Patterns
我___不___。
你___得___吗？
这事儿我___不___。
他___不___，因为___。
Real World Usage
配送不到 (Cannot deliver to this location).
我找不着你 (I can't find you).
我处理不了这个问题 (I cannot handle this problem).
买不到票 (Cannot buy tickets).
看不下去 (Cannot bear to watch).
听不懂 (Cannot understand).
Focus on the Result
No '了' Allowed
Use '得' for Affirmative
Polite Refusal
Smart Tips
Think 'Verb + 不 + Result'.
Stop! Potential is timeless.
Ask: Is it permission or capacity?
Use common pairs like '听不懂' and '买不到'.
Pronunciation
Stress
The '不' is usually unstressed or neutral tone in rapid speech.
Falling
买不到! ↘
Expresses frustration or finality.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '不' as a wall. When you put it between the verb and the result, it blocks the action from reaching the goal.
Visual Association
Imagine trying to reach for a cookie on a high shelf. Your hand is the verb, the shelf is the result, and a big '不' sign is blocking your arm.
Rhyme
Verb plus '不' plus result, can't finish it, that's the result.
Story
Xiao Wang tried to buy a concert ticket. He went to the website, but it was sold out. He said, '买不到!' (I can't buy it). He tried to read the screen, but the text was too small. He said, '看不清!' (I can't see clearly). Finally, he tried to remember the date, but he couldn't. He said, '记不住!' (I can't remember).
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, look around your room and say three things you 'cannot do' using this structure (e.g., 'I cannot reach that light').
Cultural Notes
People often use '找不着' (zhǎo bù zháo) instead of '找不到' (zhǎo bù dào).
The usage is very similar, but some dialects prefer specific result complements.
Using potential complements is a polite way to say 'no' without being blunt.
The potential complement system evolved from resultative verb compounds in Middle Chinese.
Conversation Starters
你今天吃得完这些菜吗？
你找得到去火车站的路吗？
你觉得这个任务完成得了吗？
你有什么改不掉的习惯吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
我吃___完。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我找不到了。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I cannot understand.
Answer starts with: a...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 你能看完这本书吗？ B: ___.
Use: 走 / 不 / 动
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises我吃___完。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
我找不到了。
不 / 看 / 见 / 我
I cannot understand.
Match: 拿不动
A: 你能看完这本书吗？ B: ___.
Use: 走 / 不 / 动
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercises我吃 ___ 下了。
Choose the right expression:
我看没见白板。
The music is too quiet, I can't hear it.
Order the words correctly:
Match the meaning:
He speaks too fast, I can't understand.
找 ___ 到
What is your situation?
门坏了，我们进没去。
Order the words correctly:
Match the meaning:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
No, '没' is for past tense negation, while '不' is for potential.
Potential complements are timeless; they describe capacity, not completed actions.
No. '听不懂' means you cannot understand (capacity), '没听懂' means you didn't understand (past event).
Use '不能'.
Some verbs are more common with certain complements, like '看' with '见' or '懂'.
Add '吗' at the end or use the A-not-A form.
Yes, but be careful with register.
They mean the same, but '找不着' is more common in Northern China.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
No poder + infinitive
Chinese is more specific about the 'result' of the action.
Ne pas pouvoir + infinitive
Chinese focuses on the outcome, French on the ability.
Nicht können
Chinese structure requires a result complement.
Potential form (e.g., taberarenai)
Chinese is analytic; Japanese is synthetic.
La astati'u an...
Chinese uses a fixed V-bu-R pattern.
V-bu-R
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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