The particle 得

[vengaya]

Hi there,

I'm a bit confused about the usage and meaning of 得。

For instance, in the following sentence,

这本书我明天看得完

What is the 得 doing there?

Does the sentence 这本书我明天看完 mean the same?

And of course, all hints regarding the usage of 得 on a general basis will be highly appreciated

[smalldog]

This construction expresses the ability to do something: 看得完 means able to finish reading. The opposite would be 看不完 (not able to finish reading).

Some examples:

看得到 can see / 看不到 can't see

睡得着 can sleep / 睡不着 can't sleep

[roddy]

With the 得, it's like saying 'I'll be able to / I can finish this book tomorrow.' - ability, capacity

Take out the 得 and it's like saying 'I'll finish this book tomorrow' - intention, plan

For example, you'd be more likely to use the first one if someone asks you if you have time to finish the book, and the second if someone asks you what you are planning to do tomorrow.

I think

Roddy

[skylee]

To confuse you more, if you change the position of 得 like this -> 这本书我明天得看完, it would mean "must/have to" (I must finish this book tomorrow), and would be pronounced "dei3".

[vengaya]

Thanks for that!