V + 得了/不了 expresses whether something CAN or CANNOT be done. 得了 means "can do it" and 不了 means "cannot do it."
Physical possibility - Can you finish all this food?
Circumstantial ability - Given the situation, is it possible?
Capacity - Can handle or cannot handle
So much food, I cannot finish it.
了 here is pronounced "liǎo" (third tone), not "le."
了 is pronounced liǎo (third tone)
- 吃得了 (chī de liǎo) NOT (chī de le)
Different from result complements
- 吃不了 = cannot eat (quantity/ability)
- 吃不完 = cannot finish eating (result)
- 吃不下 = cannot eat anymore (stomach full)
得了 is often omitted in questions
- 你吃得了吗？→ 你吃得了？
So much food, I cannot finish it.
Do not worry, I can handle this matter.
I cannot keep this secret.
Can you come tomorrow?
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