HSK 3
V + 得 + DIRECTION
V + dé + DIRECTION
can V to DIRECTION
Structure
Verb + 得 + Directional Complement (e.g., 上来, 进去, 下去)
How it works
This structure is a type of potential complement used to indicate whether someone is physically capable of moving in a specific direction. It combines a verb of motion with '得' and a directional complement like '来' (come), '去' (go), '上' (up), or '进' (in). It focuses on the ability or possibility to complete the directional action.
Examples
箱子太重了，你搬得上去吗？
Xiāngzi tài zhòng le, nǐ bān de shàngqù ma?
The box is too heavy, can you carry it up?
门太窄了，车开得进去吗？
Mén tài zhǎi le, chē kāi de jìnqù ma?
The gate is too narrow, can the car drive in?
这里的风景太美了，我真想住得下来。
Zhèlǐ de fēngjǐng tài měi le, wǒ zhēn xiǎng zhù de xiàlái.
The scenery here is so beautiful, I really want to be able to stay (settle down) here.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse this with '能' (néng). While '能' also expresses ability, the 'V + 得 + Direction' structure is more commonly used in spoken Chinese to emphasize the result of the action in a specific direction.
Tip
To change this to the negative (meaning 'cannot'), replace '得' (dé) with '不' (bù). For example, '上得来' (can come up) becomes '上不来' (cannot come up).
More HSK 3 grammar
See V + 得 + DIRECTION in real Chinese
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