ComplementsHSK 5
Tricky uses of 到
When used after an action verb, 到 indicates that the action successfully achieved its intended result or reached a goal. This complement can form potential forms with 得/不 (such as 做不到), expressing ability or inability to accomplish something.
Structure
Subj. + Verb + 到 (+ Obj.)
indicates successful attainment of the action's result
Subj. + Verb + 不 + 到 (+ Obj.)
expresses inability to achieve the result (negative potential)
Examples
- 我相信你一定能做到。Wǒ xiāngxìn nǐ yīdìng néng zuò dào .I believe you will be able to do it.
- 我没买到。Wǒ méi mǎi dào .I wasn't able to buy it.
- 这里买不到进口食品。Zhèlǐ mǎi bu dào jìnkǒu shípǐn .You can't buy imported goods here.
- 在这个公司工作，我学到了很多东西。Zài zhège gōngsī gōngzuò, wǒ xué dào le hěn duō dōngxi .Working for this company, I learned a lot of things.
- 不知道什么时候能拿到我的工作签证。Bù zhīdào shénme shíhou néng ná dào wǒ de gōngzuò qiānzhèng .I'm not sure when I'll be able to get my work visa.