ComplementsHSK 5
Advanced potential complements
Use 'Verb + 得了' and 'Verb + 不了' to express whether you are able to do something, often with a sense that external factors affect the outcome. This pattern is more natural than '不能 + Verb' in many spoken situations.
Structure
Verb + 得了
The character 了 is pronounced 'liǎo', indicating ability.
Verb + 不了
Negative form; 不了 is pronounced 'buliǎo'.
Examples
- 他那么老，走得了那么多路吗？Tā nà me lǎo, zǒu dé le nà me duō lù ma?He's so old. Will he be able to walk that far?
- 今晚我有事，去不了。Jīn wǎn wǒ yǒu shì, qù bù liǎo.I have things to do tonight. I won't be able to go.
- 这件衣服太小了，我穿不了。Zhè jiàn yī fu tài xiǎo le, wǒ chuān bù liǎo.This piece of clothing is too small. I won't be able to wear it.
- 这件事情只有你帮得了我。Zhè jiàn shì qing zhǐ yǒu nǐ bāng dé le wǒ.You're the only one who is able to help me with this.