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
我看得清楚那个汉字
楼太高了，我上不去
老师说的话你听得见听不见？
我找不到好饭馆