Complements of possibility: “Verb + 得 / 不 + Complement”

In Chinese, the structure “Verb + 得 / 不 + Complement” is used to indicate whether or not a result can be achieved or a goal can be reached (equivalent to “can” or “cannot” achieving a specific result in English).

Affirmative form: Verb + 得 + Complement — indicates that the result can be achieved.

Negative form: Verb + 不 + Complement — indicates that the result cannot be achieved.

Interrogative form: Verb + 得 + Complement + Verb + 不 + Complement? or Verb + 得 + Complement + 吗?

Note: the complements used after 得 or 不 are usually complements of result (清楚, 到, 见) or direction (去, 来).

Grammar Structure

Affirmative: Subject + Verb + 得 + Complement (+ Object)

Negative: Subject + Verb + 不 + Complement (+ Object)

Interrogative: Subject + Verb + 得 + Complement + Verb + 不 + Complement?

Example Sentences

我(Wǒ)看(kàn)得(de)清(qīng)楚(chu)那(nà)个(ge)汉(Hàn)字(zì)。

I can see that Chinese character clearly.

楼(Lóu)太(tài)高(gāo)了(le)，我(wǒ)上(shàng)不(bu)去(qù)。

The building is too tall, I cannot go up.

老(Lǎo)师(shī)说(shuō)的(de)话(huà)你(nǐ)听(tīng)得(de)见(jiàn)听(tīng)不(bu)见(jiàn)？

Can you hear what the teacher is saying?

我(Wǒ)找(zhǎo)不(bu)到(dào)好(hǎo)饭(fàn)馆(guǎn)。

I cannot find a good restaurant.