How to say “can” with 得 (de) and 不 (bù)
Verb + 得 (de) / 不 (bù) + Complement
Potential complement
Verb + 得 (de) / 不 (bù) + Complement
HSK 3ComplementsPotential complement
Rule structure
This form shows whether an action can achieve the intended result. 得 (de) marks that the result is possible, while 不 (bù) marks that the result is not possible.
Rule structure
This form shows whether an action can achieve the intended result. 得 (de) marks that the result is possible, while 不 (bù) marks that the result is not possible.
Examples
我看得懂中文。
Wǒ kàn de dǒng Zhōngwén.
I can understand written Chinese.
Examples
我看得懂中文。
Wǒ kàn de dǒng Zhōngwén.
I can understand written Chinese.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Potential complement” in Chinese?
Use the structure: Verb + 得 (de) / 不 (bù) + Complement. For example: 我看得懂中文。 — “I can understand written Chinese.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我看得懂中文。 — “I can understand written Chinese.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.
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