Say what an action achieves
结果补语
How it works
A result complement names the outcome of an action. 看 describes looking or reading; 看懂 says that understanding was achieved.
To deny that an outcome was achieved in a particular event, use 没 or 没有 before the verb-result combination. Whether someone is able to achieve it is a different question.
The pattern
Example sentences
我看懂了。
I understood what I read.
他没有写完。
He has not finished writing.
Pinyin generally shows dictionary tones; tones can change in connected speech.
What to watch for
看不懂 expresses inability to understand in the context; 没看懂 says understanding was not achieved. They are not interchangeable in every situation.
Try it
Say that you have finished writing: 我___了。
Show answer
我写完了。 Wǒ xiěwán le. I have finished writing.
Syllabus reference
The topic is listed in the official 2025 syllabus. The explanation, examples and practice on this page are written for SenMandarin.
SenMandarin · Updated 2026-10-22