Difference between revisions of "Complement "-zhao""
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Revision as of 09:22, 3 July 2013
When used as a resultative complement, 着 (zháo) expresses that the action has reached it's 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
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?
- 火鸡 买 着 了 吗？Did you buy the turkey?
- 你 看 着 他 了 吗？在 哪儿？Did you see him? Where?
Potential Complement
Structure
Verb + 得/不 + 着
When used with 得 (or 不) 住 functions as a potential complement , and denotes that one's one's ability is up (or not) to the task in question. This is like saying "(verb) able to reach" or “(verb) not able to reach"
Examples
- 晚上 我 睡 不 着 的 时候 就 看书。Last night, when I wasn't able to get to sleep, I read a book.
- 我 的 手机 找 不 着 了。I wasn't able to find my cell phone.
- 这么 晚 了，能 买 得 着 吗？It's so late, could you buy it?
- 你 看 得 着 他 吗？他 在 哪儿？Were you able to see him? Where is he?
