A1 Complement System 6 min read Easy

How Well Do You Do It? The Degree Complement (得)

Use 得 after a verb to judge or describe the quality and extent of an action.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

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

  • Structure: Verb + 得 + Adjective (e.g., {跑|pǎo}得{快|kuài} - runs fast).
  • Negative: Verb + 得 + 不 + Adjective (e.g., {跑|pǎo}得{不|bù}{快|kuài} - does not run fast).
  • Question: Verb + 得 + Adjective + {吗|ma}? (e.g., {跑|pǎo}得{快|kuài}{吗|ma}? - does he run fast?).
Verb + 得 + Adjective

Overview

In Chinese grammar, expressing how well or to what extent an action is performed requires a special grammatical structure: the Degree Complement, marked by the particle 得 (de). Unlike English, where adverbs typically precede the verb (e.g., “runs quickly”), Chinese often places the descriptive element after the verb, using 得 as a structural bridge. This structure allows you to evaluate the quality, outcome, or manner of an action that has already occurred or is habitual.

The particle 得 acts as a crucial link, connecting a verb to a subsequent descriptive phrase—usually an adjective or an adverbial phrase—that elaborates on the action's performance. It shifts the focus from the action itself to the result or state achieved by that action. For example, to say He sings well, you construct it as 他唱歌唱得很好 (Tā chànggē chàng de hěn hǎo), literally He sings songs sings to a good degree.

At the A1 level, understanding 得 is fundamental because it introduces the concept of complements, a cornerstone of Chinese sentence structure. Mastering it allows for more nuanced and natural expression, moving beyond simple statements of action to evaluating performance and outcome. 得 itself is pronounced with a neutral tone (de), making its pronunciation straightforward, but its placement and associated rules are precise and essential for grammatical correctness.

How This Grammar Works

The Degree Complement with 得 functions as an evaluative statement, always appearing after the verb it modifies. Its core purpose is to describe the quality, result, or manner of an action. This post-verbal positioning is a defining characteristic of Chinese complements, where additional information about an action often follows the main verb.
Conceptually, 得 can be understood as signaling “to the extent that” or “resulting in.” When you say 他写字写得漂亮 (Tā xiězì xiě de piàoliang), you are stating that he writes characters and the result or quality of that writing is beautiful. The structure fundamentally separates the act from its description, emphasizing the latter. This allows for rich detail about the action's impact or characteristic.
It is important to differentiate the Degree Complement from adverbs that precede the verb, such as those formed with 地 (de). While 地 describes the manner in which an action is performed (e.g., 他高兴地唱歌 – Tā gāoxìng de chànggē, He sings happily), 得 describes the outcome or quality of the action's performance (e.g., 他唱歌唱得很高兴 – Tā chànggē chàng de hěn gāoxìng, He sings and feels very happy from it). The distinction lies in focus: 地 highlights the process, while 得 highlights the result/evaluation.
Key Characteristics of the Degree Complement:
  • Evaluative Nature: It judges or assesses the action.
  • Post-Verbal Position: Always follows the verb it describes.
  • Structural Particle: 得 itself carries no lexical meaning but serves as a grammatical connector.
For example, if you observe someone running: 他跑 (Tā pǎo) is a simple statement, He runs. Adding 得 with an adjective allows for evaluation: 他跑得很快 (Tā pǎo de hěn kuài), He runs very fast. This structure is versatile, applying to abilities, habits, and specific instances of action.

Formation Pattern

1
The formation of the Degree Complement with 得 follows specific patterns. Mastery of these structures is crucial for accurate expression. Note that pinyin includes tone marks.
2
1. Basic Pattern: Verb + 得 + Adjective/Adverbial Phrase
3
This is the simplest form, used when the verb does not take a direct object. The descriptive element typically includes an adverb of degree (e.g., 很 – hěn, 非常 – fēicháng) before the adjective or adverbial phrase.
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |
5
| :------------------- | :----------------------------- | :------------------------------- | :---------------------------- |
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| Subject + Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective/Phrase | 她跳舞跳得好 | Tā tiàowǔ tiào de hǎo | She dances well. (often 很好) |
7
| Subject + Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective/Phrase | 他睡得香 | Tā shuì de xiāng | He sleeps soundly. (often 很香) |
8
| Subject + Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective/Phrase | 你来得早 | Nǐ lái de zǎo | You came early. (often 很早) |
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Note on Degree Adverb: In positive statements, an adverb of degree like 很 (hěn, very) often precedes the adjective. While 他跳舞跳得好 is grammatically correct, 他跳舞跳得很好 sounds more natural and less like a direct comparison.
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2. Pattern with Object: Verb Repetition
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When the verb takes a direct object, the verb must be repeated. The first instance of the verb takes the object, and the second instance is followed by 得 and the descriptive element. This repetition is essential to maintain the verb-得 structure and avoid placing the object between the verb and 得.
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |
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| :------------------------ | :--------------------------------- | :------------------------------------ | :----------------------------------- |
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| Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective/Phrase | 我打篮球打得很好 | Wǒ dǎ lánqiú dǎ de hěn hǎo | I play basketball very well. |
15
| Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective/Phrase | 她做饭做得非常快 | Tā zuòfàn zuò de fēicháng kuài | She cooks very fast. |
16
| Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective/Phrase | 他讲故事讲得生动 | Tā jiǎng gùshì jiǎng de shēngdòng | He tells stories vividly. (often 很生动) |
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3. Shortened Pattern with Object: Object Fronting
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In informal contexts or when the object is emphasized, the object can be moved to a position before the main verb, making the verb repetition implicit. This pattern is common when the object is already known or is the topic of discussion.
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |
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| :--------------------- | :--------------------------------- | :------------------------------------ | :---------------------------------- |\
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| Subject + Object + Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective/Phrase | 篮球他打得很好 | Lánqiú tā dǎ de hěn hǎo | As for basketball, he plays it well. |\
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| Subject + Object + Verb + 得 + (Degree Adverb) + Adjective/Phrase | 饭她做得非常快 | Fàn tā zuò de fēicháng kuài | As for cooking, she does it very fast. |\
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4. Negative Form
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To negate the Degree Complement, insert 不 (bù) directly before the descriptive adjective or phrase. The adverb of degree (很, 非常, etc.) is typically omitted in the negative.
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |
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| :-------------------- | :----------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :--------------------------- |\
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| Subject + Verb + 得 + 不 + Adjective/Phrase | 我跑得不快 | Wǒ pǎo de bú kuài | I don't run fast. |\
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| Subject + Verb + 得 + 不 + Adjective/Phrase | 你中文说得不好 | Nǐ Zhōngwén shuō de bù hǎo | You don't speak Chinese well. |\
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5. Question Forms
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There are two primary ways to ask questions about the degree or quality of an action's performance:
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a. Using 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng, how/how is it?)
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |\
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| :------------------ | :----------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :---------------------------- |\
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| Subject + Verb + 得 + 怎么样? | 你考得怎么样? | Nǐ kǎo de zěnmeyàng? | How did you do on the exam? |\
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| Subject + Verb + 得 + 怎么样? | 他唱歌唱得怎么样? | Tā chànggē chàng de zěnmeyàng? | How well does he sing? |\
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b. Using the A-not-A (正反疑问句 – zhèngfǎn yíwènjù) Pattern
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | English Translation |\
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| :-------------------- | :----------------------------- | :-------------------------------- | :---------------------------- |\
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| Subject + Verb + 得 + Adjective + 不 + Adjective? | 你写字写得好不好? | Nǐ xiězì xiě de hǎo bù hǎo? | Do you write characters well? |\
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| Subject + Verb + 得 + Adjective + 不 + Adjective? | 他唱歌唱得快不快? | Tā chànggē chàng de kuài bú kuài?| Does he sing fast? |\

When To Use It

The Degree Complement with 得 is primarily used to evaluate the result, quality, or manner of a completed action or a habitual action. It answers the implicit question of

Degree Complement Formation

Type Structure Example
Affirmative
Verb + 得 + Adj
跑得快
Negative
Verb + 得 + 不 + Adj
跑得不快
Question
Verb + 得 + Adj + 吗?
跑得快吗?
A-not-A
Verb + 得 + Adj + 不 + Adj?
跑得快不快?
Object (Aff)
V + O + V + 得 + Adj
写字写得好
Object (Neg)
V + O + V + 得 + 不 + Adj
写字写得不好

Meanings

The degree complement indicates the result, quality, or extent of an action. It answers the question 'How?' regarding a specific verb.

1

Quality of action

Describes how well or in what manner an action is performed.

“{她|tā}{跳|tiào}{舞|wǔ}{跳|tiào}{得|de}{很|hěn}{美|měi|}.”

“{我|wǒ}{写|xiě}{字|zì}{写|xiě}{得|de}{不|bù}{好|hǎo|}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for How Well Do You Do It? The Degree Complement (得)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Verb + 得 + Adj
他跳得好
Negative
Verb + 得 + 不 + Adj
他跳得不好
Question (ma)
Verb + 得 + Adj + 吗
他跳得好吗
Question (A-not-A)
Verb + 得 + Adj + 不 + Adj
他跳得好不好
With Object
V + O + V + 得 + Adj
他跳舞跳得好
With Object (Neg)
V + O + V + 得 + 不 + Adj
他跳舞跳得不好

Formality Spectrum

Formal
他奔跑得十分迅速。

他奔跑得十分迅速。 (Describing speed)

Neutral
他跑得很快。

他跑得很快。 (Describing speed)

Informal
他跑得飞快！

他跑得飞快！ (Describing speed)

Slang
他跑得像闪电一样。

他跑得像闪电一样。 (Describing speed)

Degree Complement Map

得 (de)

Function

  • Quality How well
  • Extent To what degree

Position

  • Verb + 得 + Adj Standard order
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Examples by Level

1

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{很|hěn}{快|kuài|}.

He runs very fast.

2

{我|wǒ}{说|shuō}{得|de}{不|bù}{好|hǎo|}.

I don't speak well.

3

{你|nǐ}{吃|chī}{得|de}{多|duō}{吗|ma|}?

Do you eat a lot?

4

{她|tā}{唱|chàng}{得|de}{很|hěn}{美|měi|}.

She sings beautifully.

1

{他|tā}{汉|hàn}{语|yǔ}{说|shuō}{得|de}{很|hěn}{流|liú}{利|lì|}.

He speaks Chinese fluently.

2

{我|wǒ}{打|dǎ}{球|qiú}{打|dǎ}{得|de}{不|bù}{怎|zěn}{么|me}{样|yàng|}.

I don't play ball very well.

3

{你|nǐ}{写|xiě}{字|zì}{写|xiě}{得|de}{真|zhēn}{漂|piào}{亮|liang|}!

You write characters so beautifully!

4

{他|tā}{昨|zuó}{天|tiān}{睡|shuì}{得|de}{好|hǎo}{吗|ma|}?

Did he sleep well yesterday?

1

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{菜|cài}{做|zuò}{得|de}{太|tài}{辣|là}{了|le|}.

This dish is cooked too spicy.

2

{他|tā}{工|gōng}{作|zuò}{得|de}{非|fēi}{常|cháng}{努|nǔ}{力|lì|}.

He works very hard.

3

{她|tā}{笑|xiào}{得|de}{眼|yǎn}{睛|jing}{都|dōu}{眯|mī}{起|qǐ}{来|lái}{了|le|}.

She laughed so hard her eyes squinted.

4

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

He was so angry he couldn't speak.

1

{这|zhè}{部|bù}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}{拍|pāi}{得|de}{深|shēn}{刻|kè}{极|jí}{了|le|}.

This movie is filmed very profoundly.

2

{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.

3

{她|tā}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{项|xiàng}{目|mù}{管|guǎn}{理|lǐ}{得|de}{井|jǐng}{井|jǐng}{有|yǒu}{条|tiáo|}.

She managed this project very systematically.

4

{他|tā}{把|bǎ}{自|zì}{己|jǐ}{打|dǎ}{扮|ban}{得|de}{很|hěn}{时|shí}{髦|máo|}.

He dressed himself very fashionably.

1

{这|zhè}{篇|piān}{文|wén}{章|zhāng}{写|xiě}{得|de}{文|wén}{采|cǎi}{斐|fěi}{然|rán|}.

This article is written with brilliant literary talent.

2

{他|tā}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{场|chǎng}{辩|biàn}{论|lùn}{赛|sài}{辩|biàn}{得|de}{天|tiān}{衣|yī}{无|wú}{缝|fèng|}.

He debated this match flawlessly.

3

{这|zhè}{座|zuò}{城|chéng}{市|shì}{规|guī}{划|huà}{得|de}{错|cuò}{落|luò}{有|yǒu}{致|zhì|}.

This city is planned with perfect layout.

4

{他|tā}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{个|gè}{难|nán}{题|tí}{解|jiě}{析|xī}{得|de}{透|tòu}{彻|chè}{之|zhī}{极|jí|}.

He analyzed this difficult problem extremely thoroughly.

1

{他|tā}{将|jiāng}{这|zhè}{段|duàn}{历|lì}{史|shǐ}{演|yǎn}{绎|yì}{得|de}{淋|lín}{漓|lí}{尽|jìn}{致|zhì|}.

He interpreted this history with vivid detail.

2

{这|zhè}{幅|fú}{画|huà}{描|miáo}{绘|huì}{得|de}{栩|xǔ}{栩|xǔ}{如|rú}{生|shēng|}.

This painting is depicted so vividly it seems alive.

3

{他|tā}{把|bǎ}{这|zhè}{种|zhǒng}{情|qíng}{感|gǎn}{抒|shū}{发|fā}{得|de}{感|gǎn}{人|rén}{至|zhì}{深|shēn|}.

He expressed this emotion so deeply it is moving.

4

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{计|jì}{划|huà}{设|shè}{计|jì}{得|de}{天|tiān}{衣|yī}{无|wú}{缝|fèng|}.

This plan is designed flawlessly.

Easily Confused

How Well Do You Do It? The Degree Complement (得) vs 得 (de) vs 的 (de) vs 地 (de)

They all sound the same but have different functions.

How Well Do You Do It? The Degree Complement (得) vs Degree Complement vs Resultative Complement

Both describe the result of an action.

How Well Do You Do It? The Degree Complement (得) vs Degree Complement vs Potential Complement

Both use '得'.

Common Mistakes

✗

他跑快得

✓

他跑得快

The particle '得' must come after the verb.
✗

他写汉字得好

✓

他写汉字写得好

Must repeat the verb with an object.
✗

他跑得很好快

✓

他跑得很快

Don't use 'hen' if it's not needed or redundant.
✗

他跑得不快吗

✓

他跑得快吗

Don't mix negative and question forms.
✗

他跳舞得好

✓

他跳舞跳得好

Verb repetition is mandatory.
✗

他吃得不快吗

✓

他吃得快吗

Keep the question simple.
✗

他跑得好快

✓

他跑得很快

Use 'hen' for degree.
✗

他做得好极了

✓

他做得好极了

This is actually correct, but don't confuse with resultative.
✗

他跑得快了

✓

他跑得快

Aspect markers like 'le' don't go there.
✗

他跑得很快了

✓

他跑得很快

Redundant aspect.
✗

他跑得快极

✓

他跑得快极了

Needs 'le' for completion.
✗

他跑得快地

✓

他跑得快

Wrong particle.
✗

他跑得快快

✓

他跑得很快

Reduplication is not for degree.
✗

他跑得快不

✓

他跑得快不快

Need full A-not-A.

Sentence Patterns

Subject + Verb + ___ + 得 + Adjective

Subject + Verb + 得 + ___ + Adjective

Subject + Verb + 得 + Adjective + ___?

Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + ___

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

你照片拍得真好！

Texting very common

我今天睡得很好。

Job Interview common

我工作得非常努力。

Travel occasional

这儿玩得真开心。

Food Delivery common

这菜做得太咸了。

Classroom constant

你写得对吗？

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💡

Verb Repetition

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

Don't mix particles

Remember: 得 is for actions, 的 is for things.
🎯

Use it for feedback

It's the best way to give compliments or constructive criticism.
💬

Be polite

Use this structure to soften your feedback.

Smart Tips

Always think: Verb + 得 + How!

他跑快 → 他跑得快

Repeat the verb!

我写汉字得好 → 我写汉字写得好

Put 'bu' before the adjective.

他跑得快不 → 他跑得不快

Add 'ma' at the end.

他跑得快 → 他跑得快吗

Pronunciation

de (light)

The particle 'de'

It is pronounced as a neutral tone, very short and light.

Statement

他跑得很快 ↘

Falling intonation for facts.

Question

他跑得快吗 ↗

Rising intonation for questions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '得' as a 'degree-bridge'. It bridges the action to the result.

Visual Association

Imagine a runner (verb) crossing a bridge (得) to reach a trophy (adjective).

Rhyme

Verb plus de, then the trait, tells us how you operate.

Story

Xiao Wang loves to sing. He sings (verb) on a bridge (得) and sounds beautiful (adjective). If he sings poorly, he falls off the bridge (不).

Word Web

跑跳说写吃得好快

Challenge

Describe three things you do today using the Verb-得-Adj structure (e.g., I sleep well, I eat fast).

Cultural Notes

Used daily to give feedback on performance.

Similar usage, often with slightly softer tone markers.

They often use '到' (dou) instead of '得' (de) in their native dialect, which can influence their Mandarin.

The particle '得' evolved from a verb meaning 'to obtain' or 'to get'.

Conversation Starters

“

你汉语说得好吗？

“

你跑步跑得快吗？

“

你觉得这首歌唱得怎么样？

“

你认为他工作得努力吗？

Journal Prompts

Describe your daily routine using the degree complement.
Write about a friend's talent.
Critique a movie you recently watched.
Reflect on your language learning progress.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

他跑___快。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 得
Use '得' for degree.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他写汉字写得好
Must repeat the verb.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他跳舞得好。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跳舞跳得好
Verb repetition.
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: 他跑得快
Standard order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

He speaks well.

Answer starts with: 他说得...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他说得好
Correct structure.
Match the verb to the complement. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 跑得快
Common collocation.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Subject: 我, Verb: 吃, Adj: 多

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我吃得多
Correct structure.
Choose the negative. Multiple Choice

Negative of '他跑得快'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跑得不快
Negative goes before the adjective.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

他跑___快。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 得
Use '得' for degree.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他写汉字写得好
Must repeat the verb.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他跳舞得好。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跳舞跳得好
Verb repetition.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

快 / 跑 / 得 / 他

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跑得快
Standard order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

He speaks well.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他说得好
Correct structure.
Match the verb to the complement. Match Pairs

Match: 跑 - 快

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 跑得快
Common collocation.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Subject: 我, Verb: 吃, Adj: 多

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我吃得多
Correct structure.
Choose the negative. Multiple Choice

Negative of '他跑得快'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跑得不快
Negative goes before the adjective.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

5 exercises
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

1.{写|xiě} 2.{字|zì} 3.{得|de} 4.{我|wǒ} 5.{很|hěn} 6.{写|xiě} 7.{漂|piào} {亮|liang}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 4-1-2-6-3-5-7
Translate 'He speaks very fast.' into Chinese. Translation

Translate the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {说|shuō} {得|de} {很|hěn} {快|kuài}。
Match the verb to the natural result/degree. Match Pairs

Match these pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all_matched
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

{你|nǐ} {考|kǎo} ___ {怎|zěn} {么|me} {样|yàng}?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 得
Correct the mistake. Error Correction

{他|tā} {做|zuò} {菜|cài} {得|de} {真|zhēn} {好|hǎo} {吃|chī}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {做|zuò} {菜|cài} {做|zuò} {得|de} {真|zhēn} {好|hǎo} {吃|chī}。

Score: /5

FAQ (8)

In Chinese, the degree complement must follow the verb directly. If an object is there, you repeat the verb to keep the structure intact.

Most action verbs work, but some stative verbs don't.

The sentence will sound incomplete or grammatically incorrect.

Yes, in this structure it is always neutral.

Yes, it is standard in all registers.

'Hen' is for adjectives, 'de' is for action quality.

Yes, the structure remains the same.

It is standard in Mandarin; other dialects have their own versions.

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

Adverbial phrases

Chinese needs the 'de' particle.

French low

Adverbs

Chinese requires the 'de' particle.

German low

Adverbs

Chinese requires the 'de' particle.

Japanese partial

Adverbial form (ku/ni)

Japanese particles precede the verb.

Arabic low

Adverbial accusative

Chinese uses a particle structure.

Chinese high

Degree complement

None.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Chinese Compound Directions: Moving in 3D Space (复合趋向补语)
Next
Coming & Going: Chinese Simple Directional Complements (来/去)

Continue With

B1 Requires

Chinese Potential Complements: Can you reach the result? (V + 得 + R)

Overview Chinese grammar often emphasizes the **result** of an action as much as the action itself. This focus is perfec...
B1 Requires

Result Complements: Finished, Found, & Done (Verb + Result)

Overview You are embarking on a crucial journey in Chinese grammar: understanding **Result Complements** (结果补语, `jié...
A1 Requires

Success Markers: Using 到 (dào) for Results

Overview In Chinese grammar, **result complements** are indispensable for communicating not merely an action, but its de...
A1 Requires

Ready & Done: Using 'hǎo' (好) as a Result

Overview In Chinese, the character `好` (`hǎo`) extends beyond its primary meaning of "good" or "okay" to function as a...
A1 Requires

The 'Finished' Word: Verb + 完 (wán)

Overview Learning a new language means understanding how speakers convey fundamental ideas. In Chinese, expressing **com...
B1 Requires

Result Complement: Using `懂` (dǒng) for Understanding

Overview In Chinese grammar, verbs frequently describe an action without inherently indicating its completion or outcome...
B2 Requires

The {把|bǎ} Construction: Handling Objects and Results

Overview The `{把|bǎ}` construction is one of the most essential and distinctive patterns in Mandarin Chinese. It moves...
B2 Requires

Passive Voice with 被 (Bèi): The 'Victim' Sentence

Overview The `被` (bèi) construction is the primary grammatical structure for expressing the **passive voice** in Manda...
A1 Requires

Seeing & Hearing Results: The Complement 见 (jiàn)

Overview In Chinese, many verbs describe an action, but not necessarily its successful outcome. This is especially true...
B1 Builds On

Chinese Resultative 'dào': Mission Accomplished! (到)

Overview In Chinese, verbs fundamentally describe an action's **process** or **effort**, not its inherent outcome. This...
B1 Builds On

Resultative Complement: {好|hǎo} (Completed & Ready)

Overview In Chinese grammar, verbs frequently require an additional element to specify the **result** or **outcome** of...
B1 Builds On

Chinese Resultative Complement: Finishing actions with {完|wán}

Overview In Chinese grammar, expressing the completion of an action is often more nuanced than simply using a past tense...
B1 Builds On

Resultative Complement: '见' (jiàn) - Spotting & Hearing

Overview In Chinese grammar, **resultative complements (RCs)** are crucial for expressing the outcome or result of an ac...
C1 Builds On

Formal Results: {致使|zhìshǐ}, {以至|yǐzhì} & {得|de}

Overview You have mastered foundational cause-and-effect structures like `{因为…所以…|yīnwèi…suǒyǐ…}`. Now, to elevate...

Related Grammar Rules

A1

Ready & Done: Using 'hǎo' (好) as a Result

Overview In Chinese, the character `好` (`hǎo`) extends beyond its primary meaning of "good" or "okay" to function as a...
A1

The 'Finished' Word: Verb + 完 (wán)

Overview Learning a new language means understanding how speakers convey fundamental ideas. In Chinese, expressing **com...
A1

Success Markers: Using 到 (dào) for Results

Overview In Chinese grammar, **result complements** are indispensable for communicating not merely an action, but its de...
B1

Result Complement '住' (zhù): Fixing things in place

Overview The result complement `住 (zhù)` is a fundamental component of Chinese grammar, particularly at the B1 interme...
B1

Cannot Do It: Chinese Negative Potential Complements (V + 不 + Result)

Overview As a learner navigating the Chinese language, you'll quickly discover that directly translating English grammat...
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