01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
这个箱子太大，放不进柜子。
This box is too big to fit into the cupboard.
进 names the direction that the action cannot achieve.
这本小说不长，我今晚看得完。
This novel is not long; I can finish reading it tonight.
完 supplies the result: finishing all of the reading.
声音太小了，后面的人听不见。
The sound is too quiet for the people at the back to hear.
The conditions prevent hearing, rather than understanding the meaning.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
A potential complement connects an action with an achievable result or direction. Insert 得 between the verb and the complement for the positive form, or 不 for the negative. 看得完 says that finishing the reading is possible; 放不进 says that putting something inside is not possible.
Keep the verb and its complement together as one phrase, followed by any object. This describes whether the outcome can be reached, rather than simply willingness to act. To report that an outcome did not happen on one past occasion, a construction with 没 before the verb may be more appropriate.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid我看完不这本书。
Use我看不完这本书。
Put 不 between 看 and 完 to express that finishing the book is not achievable. Do not put 不 after the result complement.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 柜子 | guìzi | cupboard |
| 小说 | xiǎoshuō | novel |
| 声音 | shēngyīn | sound; voice |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
What is in the download?
The TSV contains Chinese words, pinyin and meanings. Import instructions are below.
Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
