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    Chinese Grammar

    Discharging an optional complement

    Actions & Events

    Structure

    Verb + (Optional Complement)

    Explanation

    Some verbs in Chinese can appear with or without a complement, meaning the complement is optional. When the complement is omitted, the verb is understood in a general or intransitive sense. This flexibility allows speakers to leave information implicit when it is clear from context.

    Examples

    • 你吃了吗？

      nǐ chī le ma?

      Have you eaten?

    • 她已经决定了，不用再问了。

      tā yǐjīng juédìng le, bú yòng zài wèn le.

      She has already decided; no need to ask again.

    • 我昨天喝多了，今天头很疼。

      wǒ zuótiān hē duō le, jīntiān tóu hěn téng.

      I drank too much yesterday, and my head really hurts today.

    Discharging an optional complement | Chinese Grammar