不了 Inability Complement

This grammar point focuses on the result of an action. Specifically, it shows that the result is impossible to reach. You use it when external factors or your own physical limits stop you. The most important thing to remember is the pronunciation. Usually, 了 sounds like "le." But in this specific pattern, it sounds like "liǎo." It rhymes with "meow." If you say "le," native speakers will be very confused! It acts like a little bridge between your intent and the reality of the situation. It is very common in spoken Chinese because it is short and punchy.

1. 1Creating this structure is like building a three-piece sandwich. Follow these steps:
2. 2Start with an action verb (like 吃 for eat or 做 for do).
3. 3Add the negative word 不 (bù) in the middle.
4. 4Finish with the complement 了 (liǎo).
5. 5The formula looks like this: [Verb] + 不 + 了 (liǎo).
6. 6Example: 吃 (eat) + 不 + 了 = 吃不了 (cannot finish eating).

You will use 不了 in many real-world scenarios. Use it when you are too full at a restaurant. Use it when a task is too difficult for your skills. Use it when you don't have enough time to finish a movie. It is great for physical barriers too. If a door is stuck, you 进不了 (cannot enter). If a car is too small for five people, they 坐不了 (cannot sit/fit). It is also used for events you cannot attend. If you have a cold, you 去不了 (cannot go) to the party. It is your go-to phrase for "mission impossible."

Do not use 不了 for things that are forbidden by law. If you don't have a driver's license, don't say you 开不了 car. That implies the car is broken or you are too tired. Instead, use 不能. Also, avoid using it for moral choices. If you refuse to lie, that is a choice, not a capacity issue. Do not use it when you simply "don't want" to do something. 不了 implies you might want to, but you just can't make it happen. It is about ability, not desire. Think of it like a grammar traffic light; it only turns red when the road is actually blocked.

The biggest mistake is the "le" vs "liǎo" mix-up. Yes, even advanced students mess this up sometimes! Another mistake is putting the 不 in the wrong place. You cannot say 不吃了 to mean you are too full to finish. 不吃了 means "I am stopping now" or "I don't want to eat anymore." To say "I am physically unable to finish this food," you must say 吃不了. Also, don't try to add 可以 (kěyǐ) to this pattern. It is already complete on its own. Adding extra words just makes the sentence heavy and confusing.

You might know 不能 (bù néng). They both mean "cannot," but they feel different. 不能 is very general. It can mean "not allowed" or "unable." 不了 is much more specific to the outcome. If you say 我不能去, it might be because your mom said no. If you say 我去不了, it usually means something like your car broke down or you are sick. 不了 feels more like an objective fact of the situation. It is like the difference between "I am not allowed to swim" and "The pool is empty, so I can't swim."