B2 Complement System 11 min read Easy

Degree Complement: Describing 'How' Things Happen (...得...)

Use 得 after a verb to describe 'how' or 'to what extent' an action is performed.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {得|de} after a verb to describe the quality or degree of an action's result.

  • Affirmative: Verb + 得 + Adjective (e.g., {他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài} - He runs fast).
  • Negative: Verb + 得 + 不 + Adjective (e.g., {他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{不|bù}{快|kuài} - He doesn't run fast).
  • Question: Verb + 得 + Adjective + 不 + Adjective? (e.g., {他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{不|bù}{快|kuài}? - Does he run fast?).
Subject + Verb + 得 + Adjective/Phrase

Overview

In Chinese, describing the quality or extent of an action is not achieved with simple adverbs as in English. Instead, the language employs a specific grammatical structure known as the degree complement. This structure hinges on the versatile particle 得 (de), which serves as a crucial bridge connecting a verb (the action) to a subsequent phrase (the description or assessment of that action).

Its function is to answer the question, "How well, how badly, or to what extent was the action performed?"

At the B2 level, mastering the degree complement is a significant step toward achieving fluency and expressive nuance. It elevates your language from simply stating facts (e.g., “I ran”) to painting a vivid picture (“I ran so fast my legs felt like they were on fire”). The core principle is post-verbal evaluation: you state the action first, then use 得 to introduce your commentary on its outcome, degree, or result.

This structure, Verb + 得 + Description, is fundamental to describing performance, evaluating quality, and expressing subjective feelings related to an action. It is one of the most productive and essential patterns in the Chinese complement system.

How This Grammar Works

The degree complement's existence is rooted in a core feature of Chinese grammar: the separation of an action from its result or description. Unlike English, where an adverb can modify a verb directly from the front (e.g., "He beautifully sings"), Chinese typically presents the action as a complete unit first and then adds a complement to comment on it. The particle 得 has no semantic meaning itself; it is a structural particle whose sole job is to signal that a description of the preceding verb is about to follow.
Think of a verb phrase like 跑步(pǎobù) (to run) as a self-contained event. To comment on this event, you cannot simply attach an adjective. You need 得 to glue the comment to the event.
For example, in 他跑得很快(tā pǎo de hěn kuài) (He runs fast), the action is 跑(pǎo) and the assessment is 很快(hěn kuài). The 得 links them, signifying that "fastness" is the degree to which the "running" occurred. This logic allows for incredibly detailed and complex descriptions.
The complement following 得 is not limited to a single adjective; it can be an entire phrase or clause, such as in 她笑得眼泪都出来了(tā xiào de yǎnlèi dōu chūlái le) (She laughed to the extent that tears came out).
This structure reflects a focus on result and state. The complement describes the state that is achieved as a consequence of the verb's action. Whether you are describing a tangible result (洗得干净(xǐ de gānjìng) - washed clean) or an abstract degree (想得太多(xiǎng de tài duō) - thinks too much), the underlying principle is the same: the action leads to a describable state, and 得 is the particle that introduces it.

Formation Pattern

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Understanding the formation patterns is crucial, especially when an object is involved. The rules are strict and must be followed precisely.
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1. Basic Structure: Verb + 得 + Complement
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This is the simplest form, used with intransitive verbs or when the object is understood from context.
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| Type | Pattern | Example (Pinyin) | Translation |
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| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
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| Positive | 动词(dòngcí) + 得 + 很(hěn) + 形容词(xíngróngcí) | tā pǎo de hěn kuài | He runs very fast. |
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| Negative | 动词(dòngcí) + 得 + 不 + 形容词(xíngróngcí) | tā pǎo de bú kuài | He doesn't run fast. |
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| Question | 动词(dòngcí) + 得 + 形容词(xíngróngcí) + 不 + 形容词(xíngróngcí)? | tā pǎo de kuài bu kuài? | Does he run fast or not? |
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Note: In simple positive statements, 很(hěn) is often used by default. Saying 他跑得快(tā pǎo de kuài) can imply a comparison, whereas 他跑得很快(tā pǎo de hěn kuài) is a neutral statement of fact.
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2. With Objects: The Verb Repetition Rule
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A direct object cannot be placed between the verb and 得. To form a degree complement for a verb that takes an object, you must repeat the verb.
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| Type | Pattern | Example (Pinyin) | Translation |
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| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
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| Full Form | V + O + V + 得 + Complement | tā shuō hànyǔ shuō de hěn liúlì | He speaks Chinese very fluently. |
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| Negative | V + O + V + 得 + 不 + Complement | tā xiě hànzì xiě de bù hǎokàn | He doesn't write characters beautifully. |
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| Question | V + O + V + 得 + Comp + 不 + Comp? | nǐ zuò fàn zuò de hǎochī bu hǎochī? | Do you cook food that is delicious? |
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3. Shortened Form (with Objects)
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In spoken Chinese, it's common to omit the first verb, especially if the context is clear. The structure becomes Object + Verb + 得 + Complement.
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他写汉字写得很好(tā xiě hànzì xiě de hěn hǎo) → 汉字写得很好(hànzì xiě de hěn hǎo).
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她唱歌唱得很好听(tā chànggē chàng de hěn hǎotīng) → 歌唱得很好听(gē chàng de hěn hǎotīng).
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This shortened form places emphasis on the object of the action.
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4. Complex Complements (Phrases and Clauses)
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At a more advanced level, the complement after 得 can be a full phrase describing a result or state, often with its own subject.
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Structure: Verb + 得 + [Subject] + Predicate Phrase
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他高兴得跳了起来(tā gāoxìng de tiào le qǐlái) (He was so happy that he jumped up). Here, the verb is stative (高兴).
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这个问题复杂得让我头疼(zhège wèntí fùzá de ràng wǒ tóuténg) (This problem is so complex it gives me a headache).
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大家笑得肚子都疼了(dàjiā xiào de dùzi dōu téng le) (Everyone laughed so hard their stomachs hurt).

When To Use It

The degree complement is used whenever you need to evaluate, assess, or describe the result or extent of an action. Its applications are broad and integral to everyday communication.
1. Evaluating Performance or Skill
This is the most classic use case. It's how you comment on someone's abilities or the quality of their work. Whether you're in a performance review or complimenting a friend's new skill, this structure is essential.
  • 你的PPT做得相当专业(nǐ de PPT zuò de xiāngdāng zhuānyè) (Your PowerPoint is made quite professionally.)
  • 他篮球打得很好(tā lánqiú dǎ de hěn hǎo) (He plays basketball very well.)
2. Describing the Intensity or Degree of an Action/State
Use this to express "so... that..." scenarios. It conveys that an action or state has reached such a high degree that it causes a specific result. This is extremely common for describing feelings and reactions.
  • 我昨晚累得一回家就睡着了(wǒ zuówǎn lèi de yì huí jiā jiù shuìzháo le) (Last night I was so tired that I fell asleep as soon as I got home.)
  • 外面冷得我不想出门(wàimiàn lěng de wǒ bùxiǎng chūmén) (It's so cold outside that I don't want to go out.)
3. Stating an Objective Result or Condition
The complement doesn't have to be a subjective judgment; it can also be a factual description of the outcome of an action.
  • 这张桌子擦得不干净，再擦一遍(zhè zhāng zhuōzi cā de bù gānjìng, zài cā yí biàn) (This table wasn't wiped clean, wipe it again.)
  • 孩子们玩得满头大汗(háizi men wán de mǎn tóu dà hàn) (The children played until their heads were covered in sweat.)
4. In Modern Digital Communication
This structure is prevalent in social media comments, texts, and informal chats. It's the primary way to react to shared content.
  • Commenting on a food picture: 哇，看得我口水都流出来了！(wā, kàn de wǒ kǒushuǐ dōu liú chūlái le!) (Wow, looking at this is making my mouth water!)
  • Reacting to a video: 这个视频剪辑得太棒了！(zhège shìpín jiǎnjí de tài bàng le!) (This video is edited so brilliantly!)

Common Mistakes

Several common errors plague learners of the degree complement. Understanding them is key to avoiding them.
1. Confusing the Three "de" Particles: 的, 地, 得
This is the most frequent mistake. All are pronounced de in neutral tone but have completely different grammatical functions.
| Particle | Function | Position | Example |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 的 (de) | Attributive: Links a modifier to a noun. | Before a Noun | 红色的车(hóngsè de chē) (red car) |
| 地 (de) | Adverbial: Links an adverbial modifier to a verb. | Before a Verb | 慢慢地走(mànman de zǒu) (walk slowly) |
| 得 (de) | Complement: Links a verb/adjective to a degree/result complement. | After a Verb/Adjective | 跑得快(pǎo de kuài) (run fast) |
Mistake: 他很快地跑(tā hěn kuài de pǎo) is grammatically correct but means "he performs the action of running in a quick manner." 他跑得很快(tā pǎo de hěn kuài) means "his run, as an event, is assessed as being fast." The 得 structure is far more common for describing the overall quality.
2. Incorrect Object Placement
As stated in the formation rules, a direct object cannot come between the verb and 得.
  • Incorrect: *我说中文得很好(wǒ shuō zhōngwén de hěn hǎo)`
  • Correct: 我中文说得很好(wǒ zhōngwén shuō de hěn hǎo) (Shortened form)
  • Correct: 我讲中文讲得很好(wǒ shuō zhōngwén shuō de hěn hǎo) (Verb repetition)
The linguistic reason is that a Verb-Object phrase like 说中文(shuō zhōngwén) is a tightly bound unit. The complement marker 得 needs to attach directly to a verb, so the verb must either be repeated or the object must be topicalized (moved to the front).
3. Confusing Degree Complement with Potential Complement
Both structures can use Verb + 得/不 + ..., which causes confusion. Their functions are entirely different.
  • Potential Complement: Describes possibility or ability (can or cannot do something).
  • Degree Complement: Describes the quality or degree (how well/to what extent something is done).
| Type | Structure | Example | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Potential | V + 得/不 + Resultative Verb | 我看得懂(wǒ kàn de dǒng) | I can understand (by reading). |
| Potential | V + 得/不 + Directional Verb | 我上得去(wǒ shàng de qù) | I can go up. |
| Degree | V + 得 + Descriptive Adj./Phrase | 你看得很仔细(nǐ kàn de hěn zǐxì) | You read very carefully. |
| Degree | V + 得 + Descriptive Adj./Phrase | 他爬得很高(tā pá de hěn gāo) | He climbed very high. |
Mistake: Confusing 听得懂(tīng de dǒng) (can understand by listening) with 听得很清楚(tīng de hěn qīngchu) (listened very clearly). The first is about ability, the second is about the quality of the action.

Real Conversations

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Scenario 1

Discussing a Movie via Text

小李 (Xiǎo Lǐ):

周末去看的那个电影，你觉得怎么样？

(That movie we went to see on the weekend, what did you think?)

小王 (Xiǎo Wáng):

我觉得很棒！特别是男主角，演得太真实了，看得我都哭了。

(I thought it was great! Especially the male lead, he acted so realistically that it made me cry.)

小李 (Xiǎo Lǐ):

同意！他把那个角色的绝望感表现得淋漓尽致。

(Agreed! He expressed the character's sense of despair vividly and thoroughly.)

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Scenario 2

At a Work Performance Review

经理 (Jīnglǐ):

小张，这个季度你的报告写得比以前有条理多了。

(Xiao Zhang, this quarter your reports have been written much more methodically than before.)

小张 (Xiǎo Zhāng):

谢谢经理。我一直在努力改进。

(Thank you, manager. I've been working hard to improve.)

经理 (Jīnglǐ):

不过，上次的客户会议，你准备得好像不太充分，有几个问题回答得有点犹豫。

(However, for the last client meeting, it seems you didn't prepare quite sufficiently. You answered a few questions a bit hesitantly.)

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Scenario 3

Friends Catching Up

A:

最近在忙什么呢？看你朋友圈好久没更新了。

(What have you been busy with lately? I see your social media hasn't been updated in a long time.)

B:

别提了，最近忙得连吃饭的时间都没有！

(Don't mention it, I've been so busy lately I don't even have time to eat!)

A:

这么夸张？要注意身体啊。

(That much of an exaggeration? You need to take care of your health.)

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I use 得 with any verb?

Mostly with action verbs and stative adjectives (高兴, 累, 忙, etc.). It's not typically used with modal verbs (能, 会, 可以) or verbs that don't imply a gradable quality, like 是 (to be) or 姓 (to be surnamed).

Q: You mentioned 很 is important. What happens if I leave it out?

In a simple statement like 他跑得快(tā pǎo de kuài), it often creates a sense of comparison (e.g., "He's the one who runs fast," or "He runs faster than someone else"). Including 很(hěn) neutralizes this and makes it a simple, objective description. In negative sentences (不快) or questions (快不快), 很 is not used.

Q: Is 得 always pronounced with a neutral tone in this pattern?

Yes. When used as the structural particle for complements, it is always the neutral de. Be careful not to confuse it with dé (to get, to obtain) or děi (must, have to), which are different words with different pronunciations and meanings.

Q: Can I use a 了 (le) with this structure?

Yes, 了 can be used, but its position depends on what you want to express. It can appear at the end of the entire sentence to indicate a new situation (他跑得快了 - He has started running faster now), or it can appear within a complex complement to indicate completion of that clause (他笑得眼泪都流出来了 - He laughed to the point that tears came out).

Q: Is this structure considered formal or informal?

It is a standard, grammatically correct structure used across all levels of formality. The level of formality is determined by your choice of vocabulary for the complement, not the 得 structure itself. In a formal report, you might write 项目进行得很顺利(xiàngmù jìnxíng de hěn shùnlì) (The project is proceeding very smoothly), which is perfectly acceptable.

Degree Complement Formation

Type Structure Example
Affirmative
Verb + 得 + Adj
{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}
Negative
Verb + 得 + 不 + Adj
{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{不|bù}{快|kuài}
Question
Verb + 得 + Adj + 不 + Adj
{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{不|bù}{快|kuài}?
With Object
Verb + Obj + Verb + 得 + Adj
{他|tā}{说|shuō}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{说|shuō}{得|de}{好|hǎo}
Potential
Verb + 得 + Result
{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{得|de}{懂|dǒng}
Negative Potential
Verb + 不 + Result
{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{不|bù}{懂|dǒng}

Common Shortened Forms

Full Shortened
{说|shuō}{得|de}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}
{说|shuō}{得|de}{好|hǎo}
{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}
{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}

Meanings

The degree complement describes the extent, quality, or result of an action. It connects the verb to a descriptive comment.

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Quality of Action

Describing how well an action is performed.

“{他|tā}{写|xiě}{得|de}{很|hěn}{漂亮|piàoliang}。”

“{你|nǐ}{说|shuō}{得|de}{很|hěn}{对|duì}。”

2

Degree of Intensity

Describing the extreme nature of an action.

“{他|tā}{气|qì}{得|de}{说|shuō}{不|bù}{出|chū}{话|huà}{来|lái}。”

“{我|wǒ}{忙|máng}{得|de}{没|méi}{有|yǒu}{时|shí}{间|jiān}{吃|chī}{饭|fàn}。”

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Potentiality

Describing the ability to achieve a result.

“{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{得|de}{懂|dǒng}。”

“{他|tā}{爬|pá}{得|de}{上|shàng}{去|qù}。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Degree Complement: Describing 'How' Things Happen (...得...)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
V + 得 + Adj
{他|tā}{写|xiě}{得|de}{好|hǎo}
Negative
V + 得 + 不 + Adj
{他|tā}{写|xiě}{得|de}{不|bù}{好|hǎo}
Question
V + 得 + Adj + 不 + Adj
{他|tā}{写|xiě}{得|de}{好|hǎo}{不|bù}{好|hǎo}?
Object Case
V + O + V + 得 + Adj
{他|tā}{写|xiě}{字|zì}{写|xiě}{得|de}{好|hǎo}
Extreme State
V + 得 + Phrase
{他|tā}{忙|máng}{得|de}{要|yào}{命|mìng}
Potential
V + 得 + Result
{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{得|de}{懂|dǒng}
Negative Potential
V + 不 + Result
{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{不|bù}{懂|dǒng}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{他|tā}{奔|bēn}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{非|fēi}{常|cháng}{迅|xùn}{速|sù}。

{他|tā}{奔|bēn}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{非|fēi}{常|cháng}{迅|xùn}{速|sù}。 (Sports)

Neutral
{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}。

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}。 (Sports)

Informal
{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{超|chāo}{快|kuài}。

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{超|chāo}{快|kuài}。 (Sports)

Slang
{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{飞|fēi}{起|qǐ}{来|lái}{了|le}。

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{飞|fēi}{起|qǐ}{来|lái}{了|le}。 (Sports)

Degree Complement Concept Map

得 (de)

Function

  • 评价 Evaluation
  • 程度 Degree

Structure

  • Verb+得+Adj V+de+Adj
  • V+Obj+V+得+Adj V+O+V+de+Adj

Degree vs. Manner

Degree Complement
跑得快 Run fast
Manner Adverbial
快速地跑 Run quickly
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ}{吃|chī}{得|de}{很|hěn}{饱|bǎo}。

I ate until I was full.

2

{他|tā}{走|zǒu}{得|de}{很|hěn}{慢|màn}。

He walks slowly.

3

{你|nǐ}{做|zuò}{得|de}{好|hǎo}。

You did well.

4

{她|tā}{笑|xiào}{得|de}{很|hěn}{开|kāi}{心|xīn}。

She laughed happily.

1

{你|nǐ}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{说|shuō}{得|de}{很|hěn}{流|liú}{利|lì}。

You speak Chinese fluently.

2

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}{看|kàn}{得|de}{我|wǒ}{很|hěn}{感|gǎn}{动|dòng}。

This movie moved me.

3

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{不|bù}{快|kuài}。

He doesn't run fast.

4

{你|nǐ}{睡|shuì}{得|de}{好|hǎo}{不|bù}{好|hǎo}？

Did you sleep well?

1

{他|tā}{昨|zuó}{天|tiān}{工|gōng}{作|zuò}{工|gōng}{作|zuò}{得|de}{很|hěn}{晚|wǎn}。

He worked very late yesterday.

2

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{问|wèn}{题|tí}{他|tā}{解|jiě}{决|jué}{得|de}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}。

He solved this problem well.

3

{我|wǒ}{累|lèi}{得|de}{动|dòng}{也|yě}{不|bù}{想|xiǎng}{动|dòng}。

I am so tired I don't want to move.

4

{他|tā}{写|xiě}{字|zì}{写|xiě}{得|de}{很|hěn}{工|gōng}{整|zhěng}。

He writes characters neatly.

1

{他|tā}{激|jī}{动|dòng}{得|de}{说|shuō}{不|bù}{出|chū}{话|huà}{来|lái}。

He was so excited he couldn't speak.

2

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{计|jì}{划|huà}{制|zhì}{定|dìng}{得|de}{非|fēi}{常|cháng}{周|zhōu}{密|mì}。

This plan was formulated very thoroughly.

3

{他|tā}{把|bǎ}{房|fáng}{间|jiān}{收|shōu}{拾|shi}{得|de}{一|yī}{尘|chén}{不|bù}{染|rǎn}。

He cleaned the room until it was spotless.

4

{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{得|de}{懂|dǒng}{他|tā}{的|de}{方|fāng}{言|yán}。

I can understand his dialect.

1

{他|tā}{忙|máng}{得|de}{连|lián}{喝|hē}{水|shuǐ}{的|de}{时|shí}{间|jiān}{都|dōu}{没|méi}{有|yǒu}。

He is so busy he doesn't even have time to drink water.

2

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{演|yǎn}{员|yuán}{把|bǎ}{角|jué}{色|sè}{演|yǎn}{得|de}{入|rù}{木|mù}{三|sān}{分|fēn}。

The actor played the role vividly.

3

{他|tā}{气|qì}{得|de}{脸|liǎn}{色|sè}{发|fā}{青|qīng}。

He was so angry his face turned pale.

4

{这|zhè}{本|běn}{书|shū}{写|xiě}{得|de}{引|yǐn}{人|rén}{入|rù}{胜|shèng}。

This book is written in a fascinating way.

1

{他|tā}{高|gāo}{兴|xìng}{得|de}{手|shǒu}{舞|wǔ}{足|zú}{蹈|dǎo}。

He was so happy he was dancing with joy.

2

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{故|gù}{事|shì}{讲|jiǎng}{得|de}{扣|kòu}{人|rén}{心|xīn}{弦|xián}。

The story was told in a gripping way.

3

{他|tā}{羞|xiū}{得|de}{满|mǎn}{脸|liǎn}{通|tōng}{红|hóng}。

He was so shy his face turned bright red.

4

{他|tā}{急|jí}{得|de}{像|xiàng}{热|rè}{锅|guō}{上|shàng}{的|de}{蚂|mǎ}{蚁|yǐ}。

He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

Easily Confused

Degree Complement: Describing 'How' Things Happen (...得...) vs Degree Complement vs. Manner Adverbial

Both describe how an action is done.

Degree Complement: Describing 'How' Things Happen (...得...) vs Degree Complement vs. Potential Complement

Both use {得|de} after a verb.

Degree Complement: Describing 'How' Things Happen (...得...) vs Verb Repetition

Learners forget to repeat the verb with objects.

Common Mistakes

✗

{他|tā}{快|kuài}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}

Adjective must follow the verb and particle.
✗

{我|tā}{说|shuō}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{得|de}{好|hǎo}

✓

{我|tā}{说|shuō}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{说|shuō}{得|de}{好|hǎo}

Must repeat the verb with an object.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{地|de}{快|kuài}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}

Use {得|de} for degree, not {地|de}.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}{快|kuài}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}

Don't combine adjectives.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{不|bù}{快|kuài}{不|bù}{快|kuài}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{不|bù}{快|kuài}

A-not-A structure is V+de+Adj+not+Adj.
✗

{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{得|de}{书|shū}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}

✓

{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{书|shū}{看|kàn}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}

Verb repetition required.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{的|de}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}

No need for {的|de} at the end.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}{的|de}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}

Redundant particle.
✗

{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{得|de}{懂|dǒng}{了|le}

✓

{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{得|de}{懂|dǒng}

Potential complements don't usually take {了|le}.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{了|le}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}

Degree complements need a modifier like {很|hěn}.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{很|hěn}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}

Modifier must precede adjective.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{太|tài}{快|kuài}{了|le}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{太|tài}{快|kuài}

Sometimes {了|le} is optional but often omitted in degree complements.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{极|jí}{了|le}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{极|jí}{了|le}

This is actually correct, but sometimes learners avoid it.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}{的|de}{样|yàng}{子|zi}

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}

Unnecessary padding.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + Verb + 得 + ___

Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + ___

Subject + Verb + 得 + 不 + ___

Subject + Verb + 得 + ___ + 不 + ___

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

{你|nǐ}{跳|tiào}{得|de}{太|tài}{棒|bàng}{了|le}!

Job Interview common

{我|wǒ}{处|chǔ}{理|lǐ}{问|wèn}{题|tí}{处|chǔ}{理|lǐ}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài}。

Travel common

{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{得|de}{懂|dǒng}。

Food Delivery App occasional

{做|zuò}{得|de}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}{吃|chī}。

Texting constant

{你|nǐ}{写|xiě}{得|de}{太|tài}{慢|màn}{了|le}。

Classroom very common

{你|nǐ}{读|dú}{得|de}{很|hěn}{流|liú}{利|lì}。

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💡

The Verb-Object Rule

If you have an object, repeat the verb. It sounds weird at first, but it's mandatory for correct grammar.
⚠️

Don't confuse {得|de} and {地|de}

Remember: {得|de} follows the verb (degree), {地|de} precedes the verb (manner).
🎯

Use extreme complements

Add words like {要|yào}{命|mìng} or {死|sǐ}{了|le} to sound more like a native speaker.
💬

Be polite with praise

Using the degree complement to praise someone is a great way to build rapport in Chinese culture.

Smart Tips

Always repeat the verb.

{我|wǒ}{说|shuō}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{得|de}{好|hǎo} → {我|wǒ}{说|shuō}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{说|shuō}{得|de}{好|hǎo}

Use {得|de} instead of {地|de}.

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{地|de}{快|kuài} → {他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}

Use extreme complements like {要|yào}{命|mìng}.

{我|wǒ}{很|hěn}{忙|máng} → {我|wǒ}{忙|máng}{得|de}{要|yào}{命|mìng}

Use the A-not-A structure.

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{吗|ma}? → {他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài}{不|bù}{快|kuài}?

Pronunciation

de (neutral)

Particle {得|de}

In this structure, {得|de} is always pronounced as a neutral tone.

Statement

Subject + Verb + 得 + Adj ↓

Falling intonation indicates a completed thought.

Question

Subject + Verb + 得 + Adj + 不 + Adj ↑

Rising intonation at the end indicates a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of {得|de} as a 'bridge' connecting the action to its result.

Visual Association

Imagine a runner (Verb) crossing a bridge ({得|de}) to reach a finish line (Adjective). If the bridge is broken ({不|bù}), they can't reach the finish line.

Rhyme

Verb plus {得|de}, then add the grade, describe how the action was made.

Story

Xiao Wang was cooking. He cooked ({做|zuò}) the food ({饭|fàn}) so well ({做|zuò}{得|de}{很|hěn}{好|hǎo}). Everyone was happy. But he was so tired ({累|lèi}{得|de}) he fell asleep.

Word Web

{好|hǎo}{快|kuài}{慢|màn}{清楚|qīngchǔ}{漂亮|piàoliang}{懂|dǒng}{要命|yàomìng}

Challenge

Describe three things you do today using the {得|de} structure (e.g., 'I study Chinese well').

Cultural Notes

Degree complements are used heavily in daily life to express opinions. It is common to use extreme complements like {死|sǐ}{了|le} (to death) for emphasis.

Similar to Mainland, but sometimes uses more particles like {啦|la} at the end of degree complements.

While Mandarin uses {得|de}, Cantonese uses {到|dou3} for similar functions, which can lead to interference.

The particle {得|de} originated from the verb {得|dé} (to obtain). Over time, it grammaticalized into a marker for degree.

Conversation Starters

“

{你|nǐ}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{说|shuō}{得|de}{怎|zěn}{么|me}{样|yàng}？

“

{你|nǐ}{觉|jué}{得|de}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}{演|yǎn}{得|de}{怎|zěn}{么|me}{样|yàng}？

“

{你|nǐ}{工|gōng}{作|zuò}{忙|máng}{得|de}{过|guò}{来|lái}{吗|ma}？

“

{你|nǐ}{觉|jué}{得|de}{现|xiàn}{在|zài}{的|de}{天|tiān}{气|qì}{热|rè}{得|de}{怎|zěn}{么|me}{样|yàng}？

Journal Prompts

Describe your daily routine using the {得|de} structure.
Write a review of a movie you recently watched.
Describe a time you were very busy or tired.
Explain how you learned to speak Chinese.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with {得|de}.

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo} ___ {快|kuài}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Degree complement uses {得|de}.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{我|wǒ}{说|shuō}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{得|de}{好|hǎo}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Verb must be repeated with an object.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Verb + 得 + Adj is the correct structure.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subject + Verb + 得 + Adj.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

He speaks Chinese well.

Answer starts with: a...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Verb repetition is required.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: {你|nǐ}{睡|shuì}{得|de}{好|hǎo}{吗|ma}? B: ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Standard response structure.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

{他|tā} / {写|xiě} / {得|de} / {漂亮|piàoliang}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subject + Verb + 得 + Adj.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
Direct translation.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with {得|de}.

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo} ___ {快|kuài}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Degree complement uses {得|de}.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{我|wǒ}{说|shuō}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{得|de}{好|hǎo}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Verb must be repeated with an object.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Verb + 得 + Adj is the correct structure.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

{得|de} / {快|kuài} / {他|tā} / {跑|pǎo}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subject + Verb + 得 + Adj.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

He speaks Chinese well.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Verb repetition is required.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: {你|nǐ}{睡|shuì}{得|de}{好|hǎo}{吗|ma}? B: ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Standard response structure.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

{他|tā} / {写|xiě} / {得|de} / {漂亮|piàoliang}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subject + Verb + 得 + Adj.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

1. {他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{快|kuài} 2. {他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{不|bù}{快|kuài}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
Direct translation.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

8 exercises
Reorder the words to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

漂亮 | 得 | 写 | 他的 | 汉字 | 很

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他的汉字写得很漂亮。
Translate to Chinese using the degree complement. Translation

I ate so much that I'm full to the point of exploding.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我吃得撑死了。
Match the verb phrase with its logical degree complement. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 笑得-肚子疼, 跑得-非常快, 讲得-很清楚, 气得-说不出话
Which sentence is NEGATIVE? Multiple Choice

Choose the negative degree complement:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他做得不仔细。
Fill in the missing verb. Fill in the Blank

他打网球___得非常好。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 打
Find the error. Error Correction

电影演得感人不得了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 电影演得感人得不得了。
Translate: He speaks so fast I can't hear clearly. Translation

Translate the sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他说得太快了，我听不清楚。
Identify the formal sentence. Multiple Choice

Which one is most appropriate for a business report?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 项目进展得十分顺利。

Score: /8

FAQ (8)

In Chinese, the degree complement must follow the verb immediately. If there is an object, the verb must be repeated to maintain this proximity.

Most dynamic verbs work well. Stative verbs (like {是|shì}, {有|yǒu}) generally do not take degree complements.

{得|de} is for degree (follows verb), {地|de} is for manner (precedes verb).

Yes, in this structure, it is always a neutral tone.

Yes, but be careful with the adjective choice. Avoid overly slangy terms in formal contexts.

It is often required for natural flow, but in some contexts, it can be omitted if the complement is complex.

Use the A-not-A structure: V + 得 + Adj + 不 + Adj?

Some verbs have fixed complements. Always listen to native speakers to learn these collocations.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish low

Adverbs like 'bien' or 'rápido'.

Spanish lacks the mandatory particle structure.

French low

Adverbs like 'bien' or 'vite'.

French does not use a particle to connect verbs to degree complements.

German low

Adverbs.

German does not use a linking particle.

Japanese partial

Adverbs with -ku.

Japanese uses suffixation rather than a separate particle.

Arabic low

Adverbial accusative (Hal).

Arabic uses case endings rather than particles.

Chinese high

Degree complement.

N/A

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Result Complement 到 (dào): Success and Arrival

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