HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#54
Potential Complements with “de / bu”
得 / 不 + 结果补语
How it works
A potential complement shows whether a result can be achieved: Verb + 得 + result for possibility, and Verb + 不 + result for impossibility. Common forms include 听得懂 / 听不懂 and 看得见 / 看不见.
The pattern
Verb + 得 / 不 + Result Complement
Example sentences
这句话我听不懂。
I cannot understand this sentence when I hear it.
他的字我看不懂。
I cannot understand his writing.
老师说得太快，我有一点儿听不懂。
The teacher speaks too fast, so I can’t understand some of it.
Usage note
At HSK2 level, learners often first meet forms like 听不懂 and 看不见.