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Advanced potential complements

不了

Grammar
HSK 4

Structure

Verb + 得了 / 不了 Verb + 得下 / 不下 Verb + 得起 / 不起 + Obj. Verb + 得动 / 不动 Verb + 得着 / 不着

Definition

可能补语是汉语中表示动作结果能否实现的一种补语形式,由动词后加“得”或“不”再加上结果补语或趋向补语构成。高级可能补语涉及更复杂的结构,如与程度补语结合、在比喻或固定短语中使用等。

Potential complements are a type of complement in Chinese indicating whether an action's result can be achieved. They are formed by adding '得' (positive) or '不' (negative) after a verb, followed by a result or directional complement. Advanced potential complements involve more complex structures, such as combination with degree complements, use in metaphorical expressions, or fixed phrases.

Usage

高级可能补语常用于表达对可能性的强烈肯定或否定,或用于抽象、比喻义中。结构上仍为“动词+得/不+补语”,但补语部分可能更复杂,如“得/不+起来/出来/下去等”,或与程度副词“很/极”等搭配。注意:某些固定搭配(如“说得过去”“受不了”)已形成习语,需整体记忆。

Advanced potential complements are often used to express strong affirmation or negation of possibility, or in abstract or figurative senses. The structure remains 'verb + 得/不 + complement', but the complement part may be more complex, such as '得/不 + 起来/出来/下去', or combined with degree adverbs like '很/极'. Note: Some fixed collocations (e.g., '说得过去' (acceptable), '受不了' (unbearable)) have become idioms and need to be memorized as whole.

Examples

  • 1 这件事太难了,我做不了。 (This matter is too difficult; I cannot do it.)
  • 2 这个箱子太重了,我提不起来。 (This box is too heavy; I cannot lift it up.)
  • 3 他说的英语我们听不懂。 (We cannot understand his English.)
  • 4 这么多工作,他一个人忙不过来。 (With so much work, he cannot manage alone.)
  • 5 这种食物我吃不惯。 (I am not used to eating this kind of food.)
  • 6 这个任务他完得成,你放心。 (He can complete this task; rest assured.)

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