看不到 (kān) — cannot see, unable to see

Definition

看不到 is a resultative complement structure formed by the verb 看 (kàn, 'to see') + 不 (negative marker) + 到 (complement 'to reach/attain'). It means 'cannot see' or 'unable to see' — the action of seeing is not achievable due to distance, obstruction, or other factors. This pattern (verb + 不 + complement) is a common potential complement in Chinese, expressing inability to achieve the result indicated by the complement.

r.v.

cannot seeunable to see

Examples

看不到。
Wǒ kān yuǎnchù de shān.
I can't see the mountain in the distance.
，看不到。
Tiān tài hēi, tā kān lù.
It's too dark, he can't see the road.
看不到？
Nǐ kān nà ge zì ma?
Can't you see that character?

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