Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar

iNdiCatiNG reSUlt, CoNClUSioN, PoteNtial, aNd exteNt

32.4

32.4 indicating the ability to perform the verb: the potential

suffixes 得了 deliFo and 不了 buliFo

Resultative suffixes indicate the result or conclusion of an action. To indicate that the subject is

able to or unable to perform the action, add one of the following potential suffixes to the verb:

• 得了 deliǎo able to perform the action


• 不了 buliǎo unable to perform the action

C18.6.2

32.4.1 the potential suffix 得了 deliFo

Use this suffix to say that the subject is able to perform the action of the verb or that the subject

is able to finish the action. In the latter sense, it is similar to the resultative suffix 完 wán

‘to finish.’

他很聪明，一定做得了这件事情。

他很聰明，一定做得了這件事情。

Tā hěn cōngming, yīdìng zuòdeliǎo zhèjiàn shìqing.

He is very smart. He is certainly able to take care of this matter.

今天的功课这么多，我做不了。

今天的功課這麼多，我做不了。

Jīntiān de gōngkè zhème duō, wǒ zuòbuliǎo.

There is so much homework today. I can’t do it. (can’t finish it.)

你点了这么多菜，我们吃得了吗？

你點了這麼多菜，我們吃得了嗎？

Nǐ diǎn le zhème duō cài, wǒmen chīdeliǎo ma?

You’ve ordered so many dishes. Will we be able to eat them? (finish eating them?)

32.4.2 the potential suffix 不了 buliFo

Use this suffix to say that the subject is not able to do some action.

我用不了筷子。

Wǒ yòngbuliǎo kuàizi.

I am unable to use chopsticks.

他一定走不了那么远。

他一定走不了那麼遠。

Tā yīdìng zǒubuliǎo nàme yuǎn.

He is certainly unable to walk that far.

这是他的个性，他改不了。

這是他的個性，他改不了。

Zhè shì tā de gèxìng, tā gǎibùliǎo.

This is his nature. He can’t change.

C18.6.2