Verb + 得了/不了
HSK 5- Complements
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Potential complement 得了/不了 is used after a verb to indicate whether an action can or cannot be carried out due to circumstances.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is a special type of potential complement used to express whether an action can (得了 déliǎo) or cannot (不了 bùliǎo) be carried out. Unlike other potential complements, this structure typically emphasizes whether circumstances permit the action, rather than the result of the action.
不了 is very common, carrying the meaning of "can't manage to do," "not possible" due to some reason (too much, too tired, no time, etc.). By contrast, 得了 is less frequently encountered, and is typically used in questions or to reaffirm one's ability to do something.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这么多工作，我一个人做不了。繁: 這麼多工作，我一個人做不了。Zhè me duō gōngzuò, wǒ yí gè rén zuò bu liǎo.
There is too much work for me to handle alone.
- 你放心，这点儿事我办得了。繁: 你放心，這點兒事我辦得了。Nǐ fàngxīn, zhè diǎnr shì wǒ bàn de liǎo.
Don't worry, I can handle this small matter.
- 我太饱了，真的吃不了了。繁: 我太飽了，真的吃不了了。Wǒ tài bǎo le, zhēn de chī bu liǎo le.
I'm too full, I really can't eat anymore.
- 明天开会，你去得了吗？繁: 明天開會，你去得了嗎？Míngtiān kāihuì, nǐ qù de liǎo ma?
Can you make it to the meeting tomorrow?
- 车坏了，今天上不了班了。繁: 車壞了，今天上不了班了。Chē huài le, jīntiān shàng bu liǎo bān le.
The car broke down, so I can't go to work today.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我不会去明天的派对因为我很忙。Correct:我明天很忙，去不了派对。
不会 only refers to lacking a skill. When unable to do something due to circumstances (busy, sick), "V + 不了" is more natural.
- Wrong:我不吃得了辣。Correct:我吃不了辣。
不了 already contains negation within itself. There is no need to add the adverb 不 before the verb.