V得/不+趋向补语 V de/bù + qūxiàng bǔyǔ
V得/不+趋向补语（V de/bù + qūxiàng bǔyǔ）means “Potential complement with a directional: V + 得/不 + direction says whether the action can (得) or cannot (不) reach that direction or result.”. Insert 得 (able) or 不 (unable) between the verb and a directional complement (上/下/进/出/回/过/起 + 来/去) to say whether that movement can be achieved: 上得去 (can get up), 上不去 (can't get up), 进得来 (can get in), 拿不下来 (can't get it down). Formation: V + 得/不 + 趋向补语（上/下/进/出/回/过/起 + 来/去）
Potential complement with a directional: V + 得/不 + direction says whether the action can (得) or cannot (不) reach that direction or result.
HSK4Formation
V + 得/不 + 趋向补语（上/下/进/出/回/过/起 + 来/去）
Explanation
Insert 得 (able) or 不 (unable) between the verb and a directional complement (上/下/进/出/回/过/起 + 来/去) to say whether that movement can be achieved: 上得去 (can get up), 上不去 (can't get up), 进得来 (can get in), 拿不下来 (can't get it down). Unlike 能/不能 (general permission/ability), the potential form focuses on whether conditions actually allow the movement. Ask with V得…吗 or offer both forms (进得来进不来). The infixed 得/不 are neutral tone.
Examples
Note
Neutral tone on the infix: ná bu xiàlai, jìn de lái. Negate with 不, not 没.
FAQ
V得/不+趋向补语 — what does it mean and how is it used?
Potential complement with a directional: V + 得/不 + direction says whether the action can (得) or cannot (不) reach that direction or result.. Insert 得 (able) or 不 (unable) between the verb and a directional complement (上/下/进/出/回/过/起 + 来/去) to say whether that movement can be achieved: 上得去 (can get up), 上不去 (can't get up), 进得来 (can get in), 拿不下来 (can't get it down). Unlike 能/不能 (general permission/ability), the potential form focuses on whether conditions actually allow the movement. Ask with V得…吗 or offer both forms (进得来进不来). The infixed 得/不 are neutral tone.
V得/不+趋向补语 — how do you form it?
V + 得/不 + 趋向补语（上/下/进/出/回/过/起 + 来/去）
V得/不+趋向补语 — any usage notes?
Neutral tone on the infix: ná bu xiàlai, jìn de lái. Negate with 不, not 没.