HSK 3
V + 不 + direction
V + bù + direction
cannot V to DIRECTION
Structure
Verb + 不 + Directional Complement (e.g., 上/下/进/出/回/过/起) + (来/去)
How it works
This structure is a potential complement indicating that an action cannot be performed towards a specific direction due to an objective obstacle or lack of ability. It combines a verb with a directional complement (like '去', '回', or '进') separated by '不' to show inability.
Examples
电梯坏了，我上不去。
Diàntī huài le, wǒ shàng bu qù.
The elevator is broken, I can't go up.
屋子里的人太多了，我进不来。
Wūzi lǐ de rén tài duō le, wǒ jìn bu lái.
There are too many people in the room, I can't get in.
这个书包太重了，我提不起来。
Zhège shūbāo tài zhòng le, wǒ tí bu qǐlái.
This schoolbag is too heavy, I can't lift it up.
Common mistakes
Placement of the object: If there is an object, it usually follows the entire structure (e.g., '提不起来书包') rather than being placed between '不' and the direction.
Tip
Think of '不' as a wall standing between the action and its directional result. To make it positive (can), simply replace '不' with '得' (e.g., 上得去).
More HSK 3 grammar
See V + 不 + direction in real Chinese
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