得 不
Pattern
Verb + 得 / 不 + result complement
Key words
Core idea
Potential complements show whether an action can reach a result.
Use 得 for “can reach the result” and 不 for “cannot reach the result.”
The pattern is:
verb + 得 / 不 + result or direction complementWhat learners often miss
This is not just the same as using a modal verb for ability. The focus is on whether this action can successfully produce the result in this situation.
Usage boundary
Potential complements are especially common with result complements like understanding, finishing, seeing, finding, or coming out.
Examples
这本书我看得懂。
Zhè běn shū wǒ kàn de dǒng.
I can understand this book when I read it.
这句话我听不懂。
Zhè jù huà wǒ tīng bù dǒng.
I cannot understand this sentence when I hear it.
这个字我写得出来。
Zhè ge zì wǒ xiě de chūlai.
I can write this character out.
Common mistakes
Avoid
这本书我能看懂得。
Use
这本书我看得懂。
得 or 不 goes between the verb and result/direction complement, not after the whole phrase.
Seen in stories
The Borrowed Bicycle
篮球队又说水箱搬不动，车篮子被用来装冰水。
The basketball team then says the water container cannot be carried, so the bike basket is used to hold ice water.
The Box That Would Not Fit
快递员试了三次，还是把盒子放不进最大的柜子。
The courier tries three times, but still cannot put the box into the largest locker.
The Box That Would Not Fit
邻居们围过来，有人说这种盒子一个人抬不动。
Neighbors gather around, and someone says one person cannot lift this kind of box.
The Box That Would Not Fit
小赵看了包装角上的旧胶带，马上看得出来它已经被拆过。
Xiao Zhao looks at the old tape on the corner and can immediately tell it has already been opened.
The Box That Would Not Fit
她让大家别急，说盒子虽然大，但是应该拆得开。
She tells everyone not to rush, saying the box is big but should be possible to open.