B2 Complement System 12 min read Easy

Result Complement 好 (hǎo): Finished & Ready

Use {好|hǎo} after a verb to show you didn't just finish a task, but you nailed it or are ready for what's next.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {好|hǎo} after a verb to show that an action is finished and the result is satisfactory or ready.

  • Indicates completion: {我|wǒ}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le} (I have finished writing it).
  • Indicates readiness: {饭|fàn}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le} (The meal is ready/prepared).
  • Negative form uses {没|méi}: {我|wǒ}{没|méi}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo} (I haven't finished writing it well/properly).
Verb + 好 (hǎo) = Action finished + Satisfactory result

Overview

In English, completing an action is often conflated with doing it well. If you say, "I prepared the report," it implies the report is ready. Chinese grammar, however, is more precise.

The verb itself—like 做 (zuò, to do) or 准备 (zhǔnbèi, to prepare)—only denotes the action, not its outcome. To express that an action has concluded with a successful, satisfactory, or complete result, you need a result complement. The complement 好 (hǎo) is one of the most fundamental and versatile of these.

Attaching 好 to a verb signals that the action has been brought to a proper conclusion, reaching a state of completion, readiness, or correctness. It elevates the meaning from merely "the action happened" to "the action is done, and it's in the desired state for what comes next." Understanding 好 is the difference between saying you simply performed an action, like 我买了票 (wǒ mǎi le piào - I bought the tickets), and saying you've successfully secured them and are ready for the event: 我买好了票 (wǒ mǎi hǎo le piào - I've got the tickets sorted).

How This Grammar Works

The Chinese language relies heavily on complements to specify the result or state change brought about by a verb, a function often handled by verb conjugations or prepositions in Indo-European languages. A result complement is a word (often an adjective or another verb) that immediately follows a primary verb to describe its outcome. 好, with its core meaning of "good," is a natural fit for this role, indicating the action has been concluded "to a good state."
This structure, Verb + 好, functions as a single conceptual unit. It signifies not just the completion of an action, but that the completion meets a certain standard or prepares for a subsequent step. Think of it as a grammatical stamp of approval.
For instance, 洗 (xǐ) means "to wash." The outcome isn't guaranteed. 洗完 (xǐ wán) means "to finish washing," which is neutral. But 洗好 (xǐ hǎo) means "to have washed properly," implying the object is now clean and ready for use.
This concept of "readiness" is central to 好's function.
The logic is that the action (e.g., cooking, 做饭 zuòfàn) has brought about a new state where the object (the food, 饭 fàn) is now "good" (好)—in this case, good to eat. This is why 饭做好了 (fàn zuò hǎo le) is the classic phrase for "Dinner is ready!" The cooking action is finished, and the resulting state of the food is satisfactory.

Formation Pattern

1
The complement 好 attaches directly to the verb. Nothing can be inserted between them. The aspect particle 了 (le) is almost always used in positive statements to indicate the completion of this new state, while 过 (guo) can be used to describe the experience of having done something properly in the past.
2
Affirmative Pattern
3
The most common form, typically accompanied by 了 (le) to signify a completed change of state.
4
| Structure | Example | Pinyin | Translation |
5
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
6
| Subj. + Verb + 好 + 了 (+ Obj.) | 我准备好了。 | Wǒ zhǔnbèi hǎo le. | I am ready. |
7
| Subj. + Verb + 好 + Obj. + 了 | 我们商量好对策了。 | Wǒmen shāngliang hǎo duìcè le. | We have discussed and settled on a counter-strategy. |
8
| Subj. + Verb + 好 + 过 (+ Obj.) | 你穿好过这么贵的西装吗？ | Nǐ chuān hǎo guo zhème guì de xīzhuāng ma? | Have you ever properly worn such an expensive suit? |
9
Negative Pattern
10
Negation is formed with 没 (méi) or 还没有 (hái méiyǒu), as result complements describe completed states. The negative particle 不 (bù) is not used here because it negates present or future actions, not past results.
11
| Structure | Example | Pinyin | Translation |
12
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
13
| Subj. + 没 + Verb + 好 (+ Obj.) | 我还没想好。 | Wǒ hái méi xiǎng hǎo. | I haven't decided yet. |
14
| Subj. + 没 + Verb + 好 (+ Obj.) | 他的病一直没治好。 | Tā de bìng yīzhí méi zhì hǎo. | His illness has never been properly cured. |
15
Interrogative Pattern
16
Questions can be formed with 吗 (ma) at the end of a statement or by using the A-not-A pattern (Verb-好-没-Verb-好).
17
| Structure | Example | Pinyin | Translation |
18
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
19
| Subj. + Verb + 好 + 了 + 吗? | 你们讨论好了吗？ | Nǐmen tǎolùn hǎo le ma? | Have you finished your discussion? |
20
| Subj. + Verb + 好 + 没 + 有? | 作业做好没有？ | Zuòyè zuò hǎo méiyǒu? | Is the homework done yet? |
21
| Subj. + Verb-好-没-Verb-好? | 你到底选好没选好？ | Nǐ dàodǐ xuǎn hǎo méi xuǎn hǎo? | Have you made a choice or not? |

When To Use It

While 好 is versatile, its usage falls into three primary categories. Mastering these will allow you to use it with precision and nuance.
1. To Indicate Satisfactory Completion or Achievement
This is the most direct sense: an action has been completed, and the result is considered successful or meets a required standard. It implies a sense of accomplishment or finality that a neutral complement like 完 (wán) lacks.
  • Key Idea: The task is not just over; it's done well or thoroughly.
  • Example: After spending hours on a document, you finally get the formatting right. You can exclaim, 终于弄好了！ (zhōngyú nòng hǎo le! - It's finally done right!).
  • Example: A developer fixing a bug might say 这个bug我已经修好了 (zhège bug wǒ yǐjīng xiū hǎo le - I've already fixed this bug). This implies the fix is complete and effective.
2. To Indicate Readiness for a Subsequent Action
This is arguably the most common and important function of 好 in daily life. The completion of the first action serves as a necessary preparation for a second action. The focus is less on the quality of the first action and more on its role as a prerequisite.
  • Key Idea: "Action A is done, so now we can proceed with Action B."
  • Common Verbs: 准备 (zhǔnbèi, to prepare), 买 (mǎi, to buy), 订 (dìng, to book), 约 (yuē, to arrange/schedule), 谈 (tán, to discuss/negotiate).
  • Example: When planning a trip, booking the hotel is a key step. 酒店订好了，我们就可以买机票了 (Jiǔdiàn dìng hǎo le, wǒmen jiù kěyǐ mǎi jīpiào le - Once the hotel is booked, we can buy the plane tickets). The act of booking (订) is now in a "good" state, enabling the next step.
  • Example: Before a meeting, a colleague might ask, 你跟客户约好时间了吗？ (Nǐ gēn kèhù yuē hǎo shíjiān le ma? - Have you arranged a time with the client?). 约好 means the appointment is set and on the calendar, not just that you attempted to contact them.
  • Example: You often hear 说好了 (shuō hǎo le) to mean "it's agreed" or "we have a deal." For instance: 我们说好了，明天一起去，你不能反悔 (Wǒmen shuō hǎo le, míngtiān yīqǐ qù, nǐ bùnéng fǎnhuǐ - We already agreed to go together tomorrow, you can't back out).
3. To Indicate Properness or Fixing in Place
With a specific set of verbs, often related to posture or placement, 好 means to do the action properly, correctly, or securely. It implies achieving a stable, correct physical state.
  • Key Idea: The action results in something being securely fixed or correctly positioned.
  • Common Verbs: 坐 (zuò, to sit), 站 (zhàn, to stand), 拿 (ná, to hold), 穿 (chuān, to wear), 放 (fàng, to place).
  • Example: The classic imperative from parents and teachers is 坐好！ (zuò hǎo! - Sit properly!). This doesn't mean "finish the act of sitting"; it means "assume and maintain a correct sitting posture."
  • Example: When handing someone a fragile object, you might say 拿好，别掉了 (ná hǎo, bié diào le - Hold it securely, don't drop it). 拿好 here means to have a firm, stable grip.
  • Example: Before putting on a seatbelt, a driver tells a passenger, 请系好安全带 (qǐng jì hǎo ānquándài - Please fasten your seatbelt securely). The emphasis is on the secure, correct final state of the belt being fastened.

Common Mistakes

Learners often struggle with 好 by misapplying negation, confusing it with other complements, or overusing it. Here are the most common pitfalls.
| Mistake Type | Incorrect Example | Correct Example | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Negation with 不 | 我不做好作业。 | 我没做好作业。 | Result complements describe a state resulting from a completed action. 没 (méi) is used to negate completed actions and states in the past. 不 (bù) negates habits, intentions, or future actions. |
| Object Placement | 我吃饭好了。 | 我吃好饭了。 or 饭我吃好了。 | The Verb + 好 combination is inseparable. The object cannot be placed between them. It must come after the complement (V + 好 + Obj.) or be topicalized at the beginning (Obj., S + V + 好). |
| Confusing with 完 (wán) | 电影太无聊了，我终于看好了。 | 电影太无聊了，我终于看完了。 | 好 implies satisfaction or readiness. If the experience was negative or neutral, 完 (wán - finish) is the appropriate complement to simply state the action has ceased. Using 好 here would sound contradictory. |
| Confusing with Potential Complement | 这个问题太难，我回答不好。 | 这个问题太难，我回答不好。 (ambiguous) or 我回答不了。 | This is a subtle but critical B2-level distinction. 回答不好 (huídá bu hǎo) is a potential complement meaning "cannot answer well" due to lack of ability or circumstances. 没回答好 (méi huídá hǎo) is the negative result complement, meaning "did not answer it well" on a specific past occasion. They are not interchangeable. |
| Overuse | 我每天都六点起床好。 | 我每天都六点起床。 | 好 should only be used when the result is noteworthy (satisfactory, readying, or proper). For simple, routine actions like waking up, adding 好 is unnatural and implies an unnecessary sense of achievement. |

Real Conversations

Textbook examples are clean, but 好 thrives in the messy context of real life. Here’s how you might hear it used in different scenarios.

S

Scenario 1

At a Restaurant

A waiter approaching a table where the customers have stopped eating:

W

Waiter

您好，请问两位吃好了吗？盘子可以收了吗？

(Nín hǎo, qǐngwèn liǎng wèi chī hǎo le ma? Pánzi kěyǐ shōu le ma?)

Hello, have you two finished your meal? May I clear the plates?

C

Customer

吃好了，谢谢。可以了。

(Chī hǎo le, xièxie. Kěyǐ le.)Yes, we're done, thanks. You can take them.

I

Insight

The waiter uses 吃好了 (chī hǎo le) not to ask if the food was good, but to ask if the diners are ready for the next step: clearing the table. The customer's reply confirms this readiness.*
S

Scenario 2

Planning a Weekend Trip via Text
A

Alex

周末去海边的计划，你跟小张说好了吗？

(Zhōumò qù hǎibiān de jìhuà, nǐ gēn Xiǎo Zhāng shuō hǎo le ma?)

Regarding the plan to go to the beach this weekend, have you settled it with Xiao Zhang?

B

Ben

说好了，他说没问题。酒店我也订好了，是海景房。

(Shuō hǎo le, tā shuō méi wèntí. Jiǔdiàn wǒ yě dìng hǎo le, shì hǎijǐngfáng.)Yep, we've agreed. He said it's no problem. I've also booked the hotel—it's a sea-view room.

A

Alex

太棒了！那你把链接发我，我看看。等下我把车检查好。

(Tài bàng le! Nà nǐ bǎ liànjiē fā wǒ, wǒ kànkan. Děngxià wǒ bǎ chē jiǎnchá hǎo.)Awesome! Send me the link, let me see. I'll go get the car checked in a bit.

I

Insight

说好了 indicates a mutual agreement is reached. 订好了 shows the reservation is confirmed. 检查好 implies a thorough check to ensure the car is ready and safe for the trip.*
S

Scenario 3

A Work Email
S

Subject

Re: Q3 Marketing Proposal

Hi team,

附件是修改好的第三季度营销方案，请查收。

(Fùjiàn shì xiūgǎi hǎo de dì sān jìdù yíngxiāo fāng'àn, qǐng cháshōu.)Attached is the revised Q3 marketing proposal, please review.

我已经跟设计部沟通好了，他们会根据这个版本开始做PPT。

(Wǒ yǐjīng gēn shèjìbù gōutōng hǎo le, tāmen huì gēnjù zhège bǎnběn kāishǐ zuò PPT.)I have already coordinated with the design department; they will start creating the PowerPoint based on this version.

I

Insight

修改好的方案 (xiūgǎi hǎo de fāng'àn) means the proposal isn't just edited, but is in its finished, revised state. 沟通好了 (gōutōng hǎo le) means the communication was successful and led to a clear agreement or understanding, enabling the design department to proceed.*

Quick FAQ

Q

Is there a difference between 吃好了 (chī hǎo le) and 吃饱了 (chī bǎo le)?

A huge difference. 吃饱了 (chī bǎo le) uses the result complement 饱 (bǎo) to mean "full" or "satiated." It is a statement about your physical state. 吃好了 (chī hǎo le) is a social cue; it means "I am finished with the act of eating." You can be 吃好了 without being 吃饱了 (e.g., you're on a diet), or you can be 吃饱了 long before you are socially 吃好了 (e.g., at a slow-paced formal banquet).

Q

Can I use 好 with psychological verbs like 想 (xiǎng) or 考虑 (kǎolǜ)?

Absolutely. This is a very common and important usage. 想好 (xiǎng hǎo) means "to have decided" or "to have finished thinking something through." 你考虑好了吗？ (Nǐ kǎolǜ hǎo le ma?) means "Have you made up your mind after careful consideration?" It implies reaching a conclusive mental state.

Q

What is the relationship between V+好 and 好好儿 (hǎohāor)?

They are related but grammatically distinct. 好好儿 (often written 好好) is an adverb meaning "properly," "thoroughly," or "in a dedicated manner." It modifies the verb, telling you how to perform the action. V+好 is a result complement, telling you the outcome of the action. Compare:- Adverb: 你得好好儿准备。 (Nǐ děi hǎohāor zhǔnbèi. - You need to prepare thoroughly.) - This is an instruction about the process.- Result: 你准备好了吗？ (Nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma? - Are you ready?) - This is a question about the final state.

Q

Can 好 ever imply only completion without any sense of satisfaction?

Yes, in the "readiness" context, the sense of "goodness" is often bleached out and 好 simply functions as a marker of prerequisite completion. When someone says 我买好票了 (wǒ mǎi hǎo piào le), their primary meaning is "The ticket-buying is done, so we can now attend the event." They aren't necessarily expressing deep satisfaction with the purchasing process itself. In this context, it functions very similarly to V + 到 (dào), which indicates successful attainment of a goal.

Formation of Resultative {好|hǎo}

Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Verb + 好 + 了
{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}
Negative
没 + Verb + 好
{没|méi}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}
Question
Verb + 好 + 了 + 吗/没有
{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{吗|ma}?
Object Placement
Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + 好
{我|wǒ}{把|bǎ}{书|shū}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}
Potential
Verb + 得/不 + 好
{写|xiě}{得|de}{好|hǎo} / {写|xiě}{不|bù}{好|hǎo}
Past/Future
Contextual
{明|míng}{天|tiān}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}

Meanings

The resultative complement {好|hǎo} indicates that an action has been successfully completed and the resulting state is satisfactory or ready for use.

1

Completion

The action is finished.

“{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。”

“{他|tā}{买|mǎi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{票|piào}。”

2

Readiness

The object is prepared and in a state of readiness.

“{晚|wǎn}{饭|fàn}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。”

“{行|xíng}{李|lǐ}{收|shōu}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Result Complement 好 (hǎo): Finished & Ready
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
V + 好
{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}
Negative
没 + V + 好
{没|méi}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}
Yes/No Question
V + 好 + 了 + 吗
{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{吗|ma}?
A-not-A Question
V + 好 + 没 + 好
{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{没|méi}{好|hǎo}?
Object Focus
把 + Obj + V + 好
{把|bǎ}{饭|fàn}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}
Potential
V + 得/不 + 好
{做|zuò}{得|de}{好|hǎo}
Resultative
V + 好 + 了
{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{报|bào}{告|gào}{已|yǐ}{经|jīng}{准|zhǔn}{备|bèi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

{报|bào}{告|gào}{已|yǐ}{经|jīng}{准|zhǔn}{备|bèi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。 (Work/Business)

Neutral
{报|bào}{告|gào}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

{报|bào}{告|gào}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。 (Work/Business)

Informal
{报|bào}{告|gào}{弄|nòng}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

{报|bào}{告|gào}{弄|nòng}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。 (Work/Business)

Slang
{报|bào}{告|gào}{搞|gǎo}{定|dìng}{了|le}。

{报|bào}{告|gào}{搞|gǎo}{定|dìng}{了|le}。 (Work/Business)

The Resultative Complement {好|hǎo}

好 (hǎo)

Meaning

  • 完成 Finished
  • 准备 Ready

Structure

  • V + 好 Verb + Result
  • 没 + V + 好 Negative
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

I have finished it.

2

{你|nǐ}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{吗|ma}？

Have you finished writing?

3

{饭|fàn}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

The meal is ready.

4

{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}。

I haven't finished it.

1

{我|wǒ}{买|mǎi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}{票|piào}。

I have bought the movie tickets (and they are ready).

2

{行|xíng}{李|lǐ}{收|shōu}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{吗|ma}？

Is the luggage packed?

3

{他|tā}{没|méi}{准|zhǔn}{备|bèi}{好|hǎo}。

He is not ready.

4

{我|wǒ}{把|bǎ}{作|zuò}{业|yè}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

I have finished the homework.

1

{会|huì}{议|yì}{室|shì}{安|ān}{排|pái}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

The meeting room has been arranged.

2

{我|wǒ}{已|yǐ}{经|jīng}{把|bǎ}{计|jì}{划|huà}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

I have finished the plan.

3

{你|nǐ}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|ge}{文|wén}{件|jiàn}{改|gǎi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{吗|ma}？

Have you finished revising this document?

4

{他|tā}{没|méi}{把|bǎ}{事|shì}{情|qing}{处|chǔ}{理|lǐ}{好|hǎo}。

He didn't handle the matter well.

1

{我|wǒ}{需|xū}{要|yào}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|ge}{项|xiàng}{目|mù}{跟|gēn}{进|jìn}{好|hǎo}。

I need to follow up on this project properly.

2

{请|qǐng}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{些|xiē}{数|shù}{据|jù}{整|zhěng}{理|lǐ}{好|hǎo}。

Please organize this data properly.

3

{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{有|yǒu}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|ge}{问|wèn}{题|tí}{解|jiě}{决|jué}{好|hǎo}。

I haven't resolved this issue satisfactorily.

4

{他|tā}{已|yǐ}{经|jīng}{把|bǎ}{所|suǒ}{有|yǒu}{的|de}{细|xì}{节|jié}{确|què}{认|rèn}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

He has confirmed all the details.

1

{这|zhè}{个|ge}{方|fāng}{案|àn}{需|xū}{要|yào}{进|jìn}{一|yī}{步|bù}{完|wán}{善|shàn}{好|hǎo}。

This proposal needs to be further perfected.

2

{我|wǒ}{把|bǎ}{各|gè}{方|fāng}{面|miàn}{的|de}{关|guān}{系|xi}{都|dōu}{协|xié}{调|tiáo}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

I have coordinated relations on all sides.

3

{他|tā}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{场|chǎng}{演|yǎn}{讲|jiǎng}{准|zhǔn}{备|bèi}{得|de}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}。

He prepared this speech very well.

4

{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{能|néng}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|ge}{局|jú}{面|miàn}{控|kòng}{制|zhì}{好|hǎo}。

I failed to control the situation well.

1

{他|tā}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{段|duàn}{历|lì}{史|shǐ}{研|yán}{究|jiū}{得|de}{很|hěn}{透|tòu}{彻|chè}{好|hǎo}。

He has researched this period of history thoroughly.

2

{我|wǒ}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|ge}{角|jiǎo}{色|sè}{演|yǎn}{绎|yì}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

I have performed this role perfectly.

3

{我|wǒ}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|ge}{理|lǐ}{论|lùn}{阐|chǎn}{述|shù}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

I have articulated this theory well.

4

{他|tā}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|ge}{家|jiā}{庭|tíng}{照|zhào}{顾|gù}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

He has taken good care of this family.

Easily Confused

Result Complement 好 (hǎo): Finished & Ready vs {完|wán} vs {好|hǎo}

Both mean 'finish', but {完|wán} is neutral, {好|hǎo} is positive.

Common Mistakes

✗

{我|wǒ}{不|bù}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}

✓

{我|wǒ}{没|méi}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}

Use {没|méi} for past completion.
✗

{我|wǒ}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{书|shū}

✓

{我|wǒ}{把|bǎ}{书|shū}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}

Needs {把|bǎ} or context for object.
✗

{我|wǒ}{吃|chī}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{饭|fàn}

✓

{我|wǒ}{吃|chī}{好|hǎo}{了|le}

Usually {好|hǎo} implies the subject is ready.
✗

{这|zhè}{个|ge}{事|shì}{情|qing}{做|zuò}{完|wán}{好|hǎo}

✓

{这|zhè}{个|ge}{事|shì}{情|qing}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}

Don't combine {完|wán} and {好|hǎo} redundantly.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + ___ + 好 + 了

Real World Usage

Food Delivery constant

{餐|cān}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

Texting very common

{我|wǒ}{订|dìng}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

Job Interview common

{我|wǒ}{准|zhǔn}{备|bèi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

Travel common

{票|piào}{买|mǎi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

School common

{作|zuò}{业|yè}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

Office common

{报|bào}{告|gào}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{了|le}。

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💡

Use {没|méi} for negative

Always use {没|méi} for the negative form of {好|hǎo} complements. Never use {不|bù}.

Smart Tips

Use {把|bǎ} to emphasize the object.

我写好作业了 → 我把作业写好了

Pronunciation

hǎo

Tone of {好|hǎo}

It is a third tone, but in this structure, it often sounds slightly lighter.

Confirmation

{你|nǐ}{准|zhǔn}{备|bèi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{吗|ma}↗?

Rising intonation for questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of {好|hǎo} as a 'Good-to-Go' stamp. When you finish a task, you stamp it with {好|hǎo} to show it's ready.

Visual Association

Imagine a chef putting a 'Good' sticker on a plate of food. The food is finished, and it's ready to be served.

Rhyme

Action done, result is good, add {好|hǎo} just like you should.

Story

Xiao Wang was cooking. He finished the soup. He tasted it and it was perfect. He said, '{汤|tāng}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}!' Now he is ready to serve it to his guests.

Word Web

做好写好买好准备好安排好改好

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, look at everything you have done today and say it out loud using the {好|hǎo} structure (e.g., '{我|wǒ}{洗|xǐ}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{脸|liǎn}').

Cultural Notes

Very common in daily life to confirm tasks are done.

Similar usage, often used in service industries.

Used to show professionalism and efficiency.

Derived from the adjective {好|hǎo} (good), extended to mean 'satisfactory result'.

Conversation Starters

“

{你|nǐ}{今|jīn}{天|tiān}{的|de}{工|gōng}{作|zuò}{做|zuò}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{吗|ma}？

Journal Prompts

Describe your morning routine using the {好|hǎo} structure.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with {好|hǎo}.

我把饭做___了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 好
The resultative complement {好|hǎo} indicates readiness.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我写不好了作业。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我没写好作业
Negative form uses {没|méi} before the verb.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我买好票了
The {了|le} marks the completion.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 饭做好了
Standard structure.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I have finished packing.

Answer starts with: 我收好...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我收好行李了
Correct structure.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

The meeting room is ready.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 会议室安排好了
Statement of fact.
Fill in the blank.

他没把工作处理___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 好
Resultative complement.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我没把饭做完好。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我没把饭做好
Don't combine {完|wán} and {好|hǎo}.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with {好|hǎo}.

我把饭做___了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 好
The resultative complement {好|hǎo} indicates readiness.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我写不好了作业。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我没写好作业
Negative form uses {没|méi} before the verb.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我买好票了
The {了|le} marks the completion.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

了 / 做 / 饭 / 好

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 饭做好了
Standard structure.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I have finished packing.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我收好行李了
Correct structure.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

The meeting room is ready.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 会议室安排好了
Statement of fact.
Fill in the blank.

他没把工作处理___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 好
Resultative complement.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我没把饭做完好。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我没把饭做好
Don't combine {完|wán} and {好|hǎo}.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Select the correct complement for 'agreement'. Fill in the Blank

我们已经跟经理说___了。(We have already agreed with the manager.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 好
How do you say 'Put your clothes on properly'? Multiple Choice

Select the correct command.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {穿好衣服！|Chuān hǎo yīfu!}
Fix the negation. Error Correction

{我不想好去哪里。|Wǒ bù xiǎng hǎo qù nǎlǐ.} (I haven't decided where to go.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我没想好去哪里。|Wǒ méi xiǎng hǎo qù nǎlǐ.}
Arrange the words to say 'I have finished packing.' Sentence Reorder

Items: {好|hǎo} / {收拾|shōushi} / {行李|xíngli} / {我|wǒ} / {了|le}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我收拾好行李了。|Wǒ shōushi hǎo xíngli le.}
Match the verb+complement to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match items

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["{\u5750\u597d|zu\u00f2 h\u01ceo} : Sit properly","{\u5403\u597d|ch\u012b h\u01ceo} : Finish eating (satisfactorily)","{\u60f3\u597d|xi\u01ceng h\u01ceo} : Decided\/Made up mind","{\u8c08\u597d|t\u00e1n h\u01ceo} : Reached agreement"]
Translate 'Is the coffee ready?' Translation

Use {咖啡|kāfēi}, {做|zuò}, and {好|hǎo}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {咖啡做好了吗？|Kāfēi zuò hǎo le ma?}
What does {拿好|ná hǎo} mean? Multiple Choice

As in: {拿好你的票|Ná hǎo nǐ de piào}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Hold your ticket properly/securely
Fill in the result complement. Fill in the Blank

车___好了，你可以开走了。(The car is fixed/ready, you can drive it away.)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 修 (xiū)
Fix the position of the object. Error Correction

{我写信好给朋友了。|Wǒ xiě xìn hǎo gěi péngyǒu le.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我给朋友写好信了。|Wǒ gěi péngyǒu xiě hǎo xìn le.}
Context: You are at a restaurant. Multiple Choice

Waiter asks: {点好了吗？|Diǎn hǎo le ma?} What does he mean?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Have you finished ordering? (Ready to give menu back)
Create a sentence: 'I haven't thought of a good name yet.' Sentence Reorder

{名字|míngzi} / {没|méi} / {起|qǐ} / {我|wǒ} / {好|hǎo}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我没起好名字。|Wǒ méi qǐ hǎo míngzi.}

Score: /11

FAQ (8)

No, it must be a verb where 'finishing' makes sense, like {做|zuò}, {写|xiě}, {买|mǎi}.

Using {把|bǎ} helps focus on the object being affected by the action.

Yes, it implies a satisfactory result.

Yes, e.g., '{明|míng}{天|tiān}{我|wǒ}{会|huì}{写|xiě}{好|hǎo}{的|de}' (I will have it written by tomorrow).

Use {没|méi} + Verb + {好|hǎo}.

It is neutral and used in all registers.

{成|chéng} means 'to succeed in changing something', {好|hǎo} means 'to finish well'.

Yes, '{你|nǐ}{准|zhǔn}{备|bèi}{好|hǎo}{了|le}{吗|ma}?'

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

Terminar bien

Chinese {好|hǎo} is a grammatical complement, not just an adverb.

French low

Avoir fini

Chinese uses resultative complements.

German moderate

Fertig sein

Chinese attaches it to the verb.

Japanese moderate

～てしまう

Chinese resultative complements are more specific.

Arabic low

انتهى من

Chinese uses verb suffixes.

Chinese high

做好了

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Result Complement 到 (dào): Success and Arrival
Next
Result Complement: Fixing & Stopping (住)

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