Complement "-zhao"
When used as a resultative complement, 着 (zháo) expresses that the action has reached its purpose or has had an outcome. It can also be used as a potential complement, meaning "able to."
Contents
Resultative Complement
Structure
All you have to do is put 着 after the verb. Remember that it should be something that you can reach or achieve. It could be a purpose, or it can be producing an outcome or an influence.
Verb + 着
Remember: that 着 is pronounced "zháo and not "zhe"!
Examples
- 宝宝 刚 睡着。The baby just fell asleep.
- 你 的 手机 找着 了 吗？Did you find your cell phone?
- 超市 关门 了 ，你 要 的 东西 我 没 买 着 。The supermarket is closed. I didn't buy things that you need.
- 我 终于 见 着 你 了。I have finally met you.
- 最近 太 忙 了，他 累 着 了。I've been so busy lately, he's tired.
You might be wondering: "why the heck would I use this instead of 到?" Good question! But native speakers do (especially in the north), so it's something you need to know. Also, 睡着 (shuì zháo), meaning "fall asleep," is an exception in that it cannot be replaced with *睡到.
Potential Complement
Structure
Verb + 得 / 不 + 着
When used with 得 or 不, 着 functions as a potential complement, and denotes that one's one's ability is up (or not) to the task in question.
Examples
- 现在 买 不 着 这样 的 衣服 了。You can't buy such clothes now.
- 晚上 我 睡 不 着 的 时候 就 看书。At night when can't get to sleep, I read a book.
- 我 的 手机 找 不 着 了。I can't find my cell phone.
- 这么 晚 了，买 得 着 吗？It's so late already, can we buy it?
- 我 在 国外 吃 不 着 地道 的 中国 菜 。Outside of China, I can't get authentic Chinese food.
