Distinguish ability from an achieved result
可能补语
How it works
A potential complement says whether a result can be achieved under the relevant conditions. 看得懂 means being able to understand what one reads; 看不懂 means being unable to do so.
Keep this separate from 没看懂, which reports that understanding did not happen. One concerns possibility or ability; the other reports the outcome of an event.
The pattern
Example sentences
这本书我看得懂。
I can understand this book.
他说得太快，我听不懂。
He speaks too quickly for me to understand.
Pinyin generally shows dictionary tones; tones can change in connected speech.
What to watch for
Do not add another 不 before a negative potential complement. 听不懂 already expresses inability to understand.
Try it
Make 看得懂 negative.
Show answer
看不懂。 Kàn bu dǒng. Cannot understand what one reads.
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