“了” has been a challenging character for many learners. It actually has two pronunciations.
了(le)
When pronouncing as “le”, 了 is an auxiliary word. It can function as an aspect particle to express the completion of an action, or a modal particle to express a change or tone.
(The detailed explanation and tutorials about “le”)
e.g.
我看了一本书。(Wǒ kànle yī běn shū.) I read a book.
我喝了一杯咖啡。(Wǒ hēle yībēi kāfēi.) I drank a cup of coffee.
我想家了。(Wǒ xiǎng jiā le.) I miss my home.
这件事有意思极了!(Zhè jiàn shì yǒuyìsi jíle!) This thing is very interesting!
了(liǎo)
When pronouncing as “liǎo”, 了 can be a verb, an adjective, or an adverb.
As a verb:
了(liǎo) means understand, end, or decide.
e.g.
- 了然于心 (liǎo rán yú xīn) Clearly understood
- 一目了然 (yī mù liǎo rán) Clear at a glance
- 了解 (liǎo jiě) Understand
- 了断 (liǎo duàn) To settle; to resolve
As an adjective:
了(liǎo) means wisdom.
e.g.
小时了了,大未必佳 (Xiǎo shí liǎo liǎo, dà wèi bì jiā) A child prodigy may not necessarily become a successful adult
As an adverb:
了(liǎo) can be put after a verb as a complement. There is always 得 or 不 in between.
(The detailed tutorials and practices about the complement of possibility)
e.g.
你看这件事办得了吗?(Nǐ kàn zhè jiàn shì bàndéliǎo ma?) Do you think this matter can be resolved?
这个视频看不了,怎么回事?(Zhè gè shìpín kàn bù liǎo, zěnme huí shì?) This video can’t be viewed, what’s going on?
这个APP我现在用不了,还没付费呢。(Zhè gè APP wǒ xiàn zài yòng bù liǎo, hái méi fù fèi ne.) I can’t use this app now because I haven’t paid yet.
我不舒服,明天的比赛我参加不了。(Wǒ bù shūfu, míngtiān de bǐsài wǒ cānjiā bùliǎo.) I’m not feeling well, I can’t participate in the game tomorrow.
Exercise