Abstract
This article discusses the semantic function of the potential complements V-de/bu-liao. The semantics of V-de/bu-liao can be classified into 3 types, according to different scopes of possibility, and the opposition between dynamic and epistemic modality. The same verb or adjective can be used to express different semantics in different contexts. This paper suggests that the different ways of profiling are the root cause of its multiple meanings, rather than the semantic characteristics of the verb or adjective itself. In addition, the paper compares V-de/bu-liao to neng and hui to analyze their similarities and differences in the expression of different modalities.
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