What Are Result Complements?
In Mandarin, a result complement (结果补语) shows what happens as a result of an action. It describes the outcome or consequence of a verb. This is one of the most useful patterns for intermediate learners.
The basic structure is: Subject + Verb + Result Complement + Object
For example:
- 我看到了一只猫。(Wǒ kàndào le yī zhī māo.), I saw a cat. (literally: "I looked-achieve a cat")
- 他听到了音乐。(Tā tīngdào le yīnyuè.), He heard music.
Common Result Complements
到 (dào), "to achieve/attain", used with perception verbs:
- 看到 (kàndào), to see
- 听到 (tīngdào), to hear
- 找到 (zhǎodào), to find
完 (wán), "to complete/finish":
- 吃完了。(Chīwán le.), (I) finished eating.
- 做完作业。(Zuòwán zuòyè.), Complete homework.
好 (hǎo), "well/properly", showing successful completion:
- 准备好了。(Zhǔnbèi hǎo le.), (I'm) ready. (literally: "prepared well")
- 修好电脑。(Xiūhǎo diànnǎo.), Fixed the computer.
错 (cuò), "wrong/mistake":
- 说错了。(Shuōcuò le.), (I) said it wrong.
- 写错字。(Xiěcuò zì.), Write a character incorrectly.
Word Order Matters
Place the result complement between the verb and the object. Never put it after the object:
✓ Correct: 我买到了票。(Wǒ mǎidào le piào.), I obtained a ticket. ✗ Wrong: 我买票到了。
When there's no object, the complement goes directly after the verb:
- 我找到了。(Wǒ zhǎodào le.), I found it.
Expressing the Opposite
Add 不 before the complement to show something didn't happen, a pattern especially useful with result complements:
- 我看不到。(Wǒ kàn bu dào.), I can't see it.
- 他吃不完。(Tā chī bu wán.), He can't finish eating it.
Practice Tip
Start with 看到, 听到, and 完, these are the most common. Once comfortable, add others gradually. Remember: the complement shows the result, not just that the action happened. Use to practice reading sentences with result complements.
