A2 Collocation Informal 6 min read

得很

de hěn

Very much

Literally: very much

In 15 Seconds

  • Adds strong emphasis to adjectives.
  • Means 'extremely' or 'very much'.
  • Common in spoken, casual Chinese.
  • Use after an adjective for impact.

Meaning

Think of `得很` as your secret weapon for adding emphasis! It's a suffix you slap onto adjectives to crank up the intensity, basically saying something is 'super,' 'extremely,' or 'really' whatever-it-is. It adds a punchy, enthusiastic vibe, like a verbal mic drop for your descriptions.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about a movie

这部电影太好看了!情节紧凑得很!

This movie is so good! The plot is extremely tight!

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2

Ordering food at a restaurant

服务员,这个汤味道好得很!

Waiter, this soup tastes really good!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Describing a hot day

今天天气热得很,我不想出门。

The weather today is extremely hot, I don't want to go out.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

The widespread use of `得很` likely stems from the Chinese language's natural tendency towards descriptive intensity and expressive language. It reflects a cultural appreciation for vividness in communication, where simply stating a fact isn't always enough; conveying the *feeling* or *degree* is often paramount. This emphasis on conveying strong personal reactions or observations adds a layer of authenticity and emotional resonance to everyday conversations.

🎯

Sound Like a Native

Using `得很` after adjectives makes your descriptions sound much more natural and lively. It's a shortcut to adding that authentic Chinese flavor!

⚠️

The Redundancy Trap!

Be careful not to overuse `得很`! Sometimes, a simple `很` is enough. Adding `得很` when it's not needed can sound unnatural or even a bit silly, like saying 'very very good' in English.

In 15 Seconds

  • Adds strong emphasis to adjectives.
  • Means 'extremely' or 'very much'.
  • Common in spoken, casual Chinese.
  • Use after an adjective for impact.

What It Means

This little suffix 得很 is your go-to for making adjectives pop! It’s like adding glitter to your words. You use it after an adjective to say something is extremely or very much that quality. It adds a strong sense of degree. It’s not just good; it’s *really* good. It injects a lively, often enthusiastic, tone into your sentences. Imagine you're describing a delicious meal – 好吃 means 'tasty,' but 好吃得很 screams 'absolutely delicious!' It's a common way to express strong feelings or observations.

How To Use It

Super simple! You take an adjective and stick 得很 right after it. That's it! No complex grammar rules. Just adjective plus 得很. For example, if something is fast, it's (kuài). To say it's very fast, you say 快得很 (kuài de hěn). You can use it in statements about almost anything. It’s a flexible tool for everyday chat. Don't overthink it; just add it when you feel strongly about a description. It's like adding an exclamation point to your speech. You'll find it pops up everywhere once you start noticing it.

Real-Life Examples

Picture yourself scrolling through Instagram. Someone posts a stunning sunset pic captioned: 今天的日落美得很! (Jīntiān de rìluò měi de hěn!) – 'Today's sunset is beautiful!' Or maybe you're texting your friend about a new K-drama: 这部剧好看得很! (Zhè bù jù hǎokàn de hěn!) – 'This drama is so good!' You could also be at a restaurant, raving about the food: 这个菜味道好得很! (Zhège cài wèidào hǎo de hěn!) – 'This dish tastes great!' It’s all about expressing that extra level of intensity. These are the kinds of phrases you'll see and hear constantly. They make descriptions more vivid and engaging. It's like adding emojis directly into your sentences.

When To Use It

Use 得很 when you want to emphasize an adjective. You feel strongly about something. It’s more than just okay; it’s remarkably so. Think of situations where you’re genuinely impressed, delighted, or even slightly annoyed. You’re watching a movie and it’s incredibly scary. You try a new coffee shop and it’s exceptionally good. You're stuck in traffic and it's painfully slow. It’s perfect for expressing genuine reactions. It adds a natural, native-like flair to your speech. It’s also great for comparisons. You could say one thing is 好得很 (hǎo de hěn) and another is just (hǎo).

When NOT To Use It

Avoid 得很 when you need to be strictly neutral or objective. If you're writing a formal report or giving a purely factual presentation, it might sound too casual. It’s also not ideal for faint praise or lukewarm opinions. If you think something is just 'a little bit' good, 得很 will sound like overkill. It implies a strong degree. Don't use it if you mean 'slightly' or 'somewhat.' For instance, saying a very complex scientific theory is 简单得很 (jiǎndān de hěn) would sound sarcastic or unbelievable. Stick to situations where you genuinely feel a strong positive or negative emotion tied to the adjective.

Common Mistakes

Learners often struggle with placement or choosing the right adjective. Sometimes, they might try to put (de) in the wrong spot, or use a different particle. Another common slip-up is using it with verbs directly, which isn't its primary function. Remember, it follows an adjective. Trying to say 'He runs very fast' like 他跑得很 (Tā pǎo de hěn) is incorrect; you'd say 他跑得很快 (Tā pǎo de hěn kuài). The connects the verb to the adjective describing the manner. But when the adjective comes *first*, 得很 is the structure. Let's look at some real mix-ups:

我吃得很饱 (Wǒ chī de hěn bǎo) 我吃得很饱 (Wǒ chī de hěn bǎo) - *Wait, this one is actually correct! My bad! Let's try another.*
他高得很 (Tā gāo de hěn) 他很高 (Tā hěn gāo) - *This is a mistake because 高得很 is grammatically awkward here; 很高 is the standard way to say 'very tall'.*
这个电影很有意思得很 (Zhège diànyǐng hěn yǒu yìsi de hěn) 这个电影很有意思 (Zhège diànyǐng hěn yǒu yìsi) - *Here, 很有意思 already means 'very interesting', adding 得很 is redundant and sounds unnatural.*

Similar Expressions

There are other ways to show intensity! 非常 (fēicháng) means 'very' or 'extremely' and can precede adjectives like 非常快 (fēicháng kuài) – 'extremely fast.' 特别 (tèbié) also means 'especially' or 'particularly,' as in 特别好 (tèbié hǎo) – 'especially good.' 极其 (jíqí) is a more formal and intense 'extremely.' 太...了 (tài...le) is super common for expressing excess, like 太好吃了 (tài hǎo chī le) – 'too delicious!' 得很 often feels more colloquial and adds a specific kind of enthusiastic punch that these others might not capture in quite the same way. It’s about the *flavor* of the emphasis.

Common Variations

While 得很 is the most common form, you might occasionally see 得厉害 (de lìhài) used similarly, especially in spoken language. For example, 冷得厉害 (lěng de lìhài) means 'terribly cold.' It carries a similar sense of strong degree. Another variation isn't a change in 得很 itself, but in the adjective used. You can pair it with a huge range of adjectives, from simple ones like (hǎo - good) to more descriptive ones like 复杂 (fùzá - complicated). The structure remains consistent: adjective + 得很.

Memory Trick

💡

Imagine a big, booming Huge Entertainment Network Television! That's (hěn) - it makes things Huge and Entertaining! Now, picture the Dazzling Effort Now! That's 得很 (de hěn) – it adds a Dazzling Effort to your description, making it Now Extra special! So, 得很 is like saying something is Huge Entertainment Network Television level Dazzling Effort Now! It’s a bit silly, but hopefully, it sticks! Think of it as an adjective's personal hype-man.

Quick FAQ

  • Is 得很 always positive? Not necessarily! You can use it for strong negative feelings too, like 累得很 (lèi de hěn) – 'extremely tired.'
  • Can I use it with verbs? Generally no, not directly like this. For verbs, you'd use differently, like 跑得快 (pǎo de kuài) – 'run fast.'
  • Is it formal? It leans informal and conversational. You’d use it with friends, not typically in a very formal speech.
  • What if I just say ? is the basic 'very.' 得很 takes it up several notches, adding significant emphasis.

Usage Notes

The phrase `得很` is primarily used in informal spoken Chinese to add strong emphasis to an adjective. While grammatically sound, its conversational tone makes it less suitable for very formal writing or speeches. Be mindful of context; overuse can sound redundant or overly casual.

🎯

Sound Like a Native

Using `得很` after adjectives makes your descriptions sound much more natural and lively. It's a shortcut to adding that authentic Chinese flavor!

⚠️

The Redundancy Trap!

Be careful not to overuse `得很`! Sometimes, a simple `很` is enough. Adding `得很` when it's not needed can sound unnatural or even a bit silly, like saying 'very very good' in English.

💡

It's All About Feeling

Think of `得很` as adding emotional weight. It's not just about degree; it's about how strongly you *feel* about that degree. Use it when you have a genuine reaction!

💬

Expressive Language

Chinese culture often values expressive language. `得很` fits perfectly, allowing speakers to convey strong personal feelings and observations vividly, making communication more engaging and relatable.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about a movie
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这部电影太好看了!情节紧凑得很!

This movie is so good! The plot is extremely tight!

Here, `紧凑得很` emphasizes how compact and engaging the plot is, adding excitement.

#2 Ordering food at a restaurant
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

服务员,这个汤味道好得很!

Waiter, this soup tastes really good!

`好得很` is a strong compliment for the soup's flavor, showing genuine appreciation.

#3 Describing a hot day
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

今天天气热得很,我不想出门。

The weather today is extremely hot, I don't want to go out.

`热得很` emphasizes the intensity of the heat, explaining the reluctance to leave.

#4 Instagram caption for travel photos
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

这次旅行的风景美得很,简直像画一样!

The scenery on this trip is incredibly beautiful, it's practically like a painting!

`美得很` powerfully conveys the stunning visual appeal of the travel location.

#5 Leaving a positive review on a shopping app
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

这家店的客服响应速度快得很,必须点赞!

This store's customer service response speed is extremely fast, must give a thumbs up!

`快得很` highlights the exceptional speed of customer service, a key positive point.

#6 Job interview (describing a past project)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

那个项目的技术难度高得很,但我们成功解决了。

The technical difficulty of that project was extremely high, but we successfully resolved it.

`高得很` emphasizes the significant challenge, framing the success more impressively.

#7 Job interview (describing a skill)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

我的沟通能力强得很,能有效处理客户需求。

My communication skills are very strong, able to effectively handle client needs.

`强得很` forcefully asserts the strength of the communication skill in a professional context.

Common Learner Mistake Common Mistake
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✗ 这个菜味道好得很! → ✓ 这个菜味道很好!

✗ This dish tastes very good! → ✓ This dish tastes very good!

While both convey positivity, `好得很` can sound slightly redundant or overly emphatic when `很好` suffices. It's often about subtle naturalness.

Common Learner Mistake Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ 他跑得很快得很! → ✓ 他跑得很快!

✗ He runs very fast very much! → ✓ He runs very fast!

This is incorrect because `得` is used differently with verbs. `跑得很快` means 'runs fast,' adding `得很` after `快` is grammatically wrong here.

#10 Humorous observation
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

我昨天晚上吃得太多了,现在撑得很!

I ate too much last night, now I'm extremely stuffed!

`撑得很` humorously exaggerates the feeling of being full after overeating.

#11 Expressing deep appreciation
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

你的帮助对我来说重要得很,我非常感激!

Your help is extremely important to me, I am very grateful!

`重要得很` conveys the profound significance of the help received, adding emotional weight.

#12 Talking about a challenging task
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

这个任务复杂得很,需要仔细规划。

This task is extremely complex, requiring careful planning.

`复杂得很` emphasizes the high degree of complexity, justifying the need for careful planning.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct particle.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 得很

The phrase `得很` is used after an adjective (`热` - hot) to intensify its meaning, similar to 'extremely'.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.

Which sentence correctly uses `得很`?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

Option A correctly places `得很` after the adjective `好吃` (tasty). Option B is redundant. Option C is awkward; `很累` is more natural. Option D uses `得` incorrectly with a verb.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

While `精彩得很` is grammatically possible, `精彩` (brilliant/wonderful) often stands alone or is modified by `很` (very). Adding `得很` here can sound slightly unnatural or overly emphatic, depending on context. Often, simpler is better.

Translate the sentence into Chinese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase `好听得很` effectively conveys the strong positive feeling of the song being very catchy.

Fill in the blank to emphasize the adjective.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 棒得很

The structure adjective + `得很` is used to strongly emphasize the quality, meaning 'extremely skilled'.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.

Which sentence correctly describes something as extremely cold?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

Option A correctly uses the adjective `冷` (cold) followed by `得很` for emphasis. Options B, C, and D demonstrate incorrect grammatical structures.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

While `高得很` is grammatically possible, `很高` is the more standard and natural way to express 'very high' in this context. `高得很` can sometimes sound slightly colloquial or overly emphatic for a neutral statement about success rate.

Put the words in the correct order to form a natural sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This is a tricky one! While `得` is used with verbs, `高兴` (happy) is an adjective. The standard way to say 'She is very happy' is `她很高兴`. Using `得` here would be incorrect for this meaning.

Translate the sentence into Chinese, emphasizing the speed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This structure emphasizes the adjective `快` (fast) describing the noun `速度` (speed), making the statement impactful.

Match the Chinese phrases with their nuanced meanings.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A-1, B-2, C-3

These examples show how `得很` can be used with adjectives indicating negative qualities, intensifying the feeling.

Choose the best option to complete the sentence, emphasizing the difficulty.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 难得很

`难得很` emphasizes the extreme difficulty of the puzzle, justifying the long time taken to solve it.

Which sentence correctly expresses a strong opinion about the taste?

Choose the sentence that uses `得很` to strongly praise the taste.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

Option A uses `好得很` after the adjective `好` (good) to provide strong, enthusiastic praise for the food's taste.

🎉 Score: /12

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum for `得很`

Very Informal

Used freely in casual chats, texting, and with close friends.

今天累得很!(Jīntiān lèi de hěn!) - Extremely tired today!

Informal

Common in everyday conversations, online comments, and social media.

这电影好看得很!(Zhè diànyǐng hǎokàn de hěn!) - This movie is super good!

Neutral

Can be used in slightly more formal settings if the emphasis feels natural, but leans informal.

他的进步快得很。(Tā de jìnbù kuài de hěn.) - His progress is remarkably fast.

Formal

Generally avoided in highly formal writing or speeches.

(Avoid usage)

Where You'll Hear `得很`

`得很` (Extremely!)
💬

Chatting with friends

你今天真漂亮!(Nǐ jīntiān zhēn piàoliang!)

🍜

Ordering food

这个菜好吃得很!(Zhège cài hǎochī de hěn!)

🏞️

Social media posts

风景美得很!(Fēngjǐng měi de hěn!)

😩

Expressing feelings

我累得很。(Wǒ lèi de hěn.)

👍

Giving compliments

你做得棒得很!(Nǐ zuò de bàng de hěn!)

❄️

Describing weather

今天冷得很!(Jīntiān lěng de hěn!)

`得很` vs. Similar Intensifiers

`得很`
好吃得很 Extremely delicious (enthusiastic, natural)
快得很 Extremely fast (colloquial emphasis)
`非常` (fēicháng)
非常好吃 Very delicious (standard, slightly more formal)
非常快 Very fast (standard, neutral)
`太...了` (tài...le)
太好吃了! Too delicious! (expresses strong emotion, often surprise)
太快了! Too fast! (often implies excessive speed or impatience)

Usage Scenarios for `得很`

😊

Positive Descriptions

  • Beautiful scenery
  • Delicious food
  • Great performance
  • Smart idea
😞

Negative Descriptions

  • Terribly cold
  • Extremely tired
  • Painfully slow
  • Very difficult
🗣️

Everyday Chat

  • Weather
  • Mood
  • Simple observations
  • Compliments
📱

Modern Contexts

  • Text messages
  • Social media captions
  • Online reviews
  • Video comments

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct particle. Fill Blank beginner

今天天气真___!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 得很

The phrase `得很` is used after an adjective (`热` - hot) to intensify its meaning, similar to 'extremely'.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly. Choose beginner

Which sentence correctly uses `得很`?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

Option A correctly places `得很` after the adjective `好吃` (tasty). Option B is redundant. Option C is awkward; `很累` is more natural. Option D uses `得` incorrectly with a verb.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

这部电影的剧情精彩得很!

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这部电影的剧情精彩!

While `精彩得很` is grammatically possible, `精彩` (brilliant/wonderful) often stands alone or is modified by `很` (very). Adding `得很` here can sound slightly unnatural or overly emphatic, depending on context. Often, simpler is better.

Translate the sentence into Chinese. Translate intermediate

This song is really catchy!

Hints: Use `好听` for 'catchy/pleasant to hear'., Add `得很` for emphasis.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这首歌好听得很!

The phrase `好听得很` effectively conveys the strong positive feeling of the song being very catchy.

Fill in the blank to emphasize the adjective. Fill Blank intermediate

他画画的技术真是___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 棒得很

The structure adjective + `得很` is used to strongly emphasize the quality, meaning 'extremely skilled'.

Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence correctly describes something as extremely cold?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

Option A correctly uses the adjective `冷` (cold) followed by `得很` for emphasis. Options B, C, and D demonstrate incorrect grammatical structures.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix advanced

Find and fix the mistake:

这个计划的成功率高得很,我们应该能完成。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这个计划的成功率很高,我们应该能完成。

While `高得很` is grammatically possible, `很高` is the more standard and natural way to express 'very high' in this context. `高得很` can sometimes sound slightly colloquial or overly emphatic for a neutral statement about success rate.

Put the words in the correct order to form a natural sentence. Reorder advanced

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 她很高兴。

This is a tricky one! While `得` is used with verbs, `高兴` (happy) is an adjective. The standard way to say 'She is very happy' is `她很高兴`. Using `得` here would be incorrect for this meaning.

Translate the sentence into Chinese, emphasizing the speed. Translate advanced

He finished the work incredibly fast!

Hints: Focus on 'speed' (速度)., Use `快得很` to emphasize the speed.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他完成工作的速度快得很!

This structure emphasizes the adjective `快` (fast) describing the noun `速度` (speed), making the statement impactful.

Match the Chinese phrases with their nuanced meanings. Match advanced

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A-1, B-2, C-3

These examples show how `得很` can be used with adjectives indicating negative qualities, intensifying the feeling.

Choose the best option to complete the sentence, emphasizing the difficulty. Fill Blank advanced

这个谜题___,我花了几个小时才解开。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 难得很

`难得很` emphasizes the extreme difficulty of the puzzle, justifying the long time taken to solve it.

Which sentence correctly expresses a strong opinion about the taste? Choose advanced

Choose the sentence that uses `得很` to strongly praise the taste.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

Option A uses `好得很` after the adjective `好` (good) to provide strong, enthusiastic praise for the food's taste.

🎉 Score: /12

Frequently Asked Questions

20 questions

Essentially, 得很 acts as an intensifier placed after an adjective. It means 'very much,' 'extremely,' or 'super' whatever the adjective describes. It adds a strong sense of degree and enthusiasm to your description, making it more vivid and impactful.

You should use 得很 when you want to strongly emphasize an adjective. It's perfect for expressing genuine excitement, strong opinions, or notable qualities. Think of situations where you're genuinely impressed, surprised, or feel a strong emotion about something.

Absolutely! While often used for positive emphasis, 得很 can intensify negative adjectives just as effectively. For instance, 冷得很 (lěng de hěn) means 'extremely cold,' and 累得很 (lèi de hěn) means 'extremely tired.' It just adds a strong degree.

Generally, no, not in this structure. 得很 typically follows an adjective. When describing how a verb is performed, you use a different structure with , like 跑得很快 (pǎo de hěn kuài) which means 'runs very fast'. The connects the verb to the adjective describing the manner.

is the standard 'very' used before adjectives, providing a basic level of intensity. 得很 comes *after* the adjective and adds a much stronger, often more enthusiastic or colloquial, emphasis. It's like the difference between 'good' and 'incredibly good'.

得很 leans heavily towards informal and conversational language. You'll hear it constantly in daily chats, with friends, and in casual online interactions. It's less common in very formal writing or official speeches.

A frequent error is misplacing or using it incorrectly with verbs. Another mistake is adding 得很 when would suffice, leading to redundancy. For example, saying 他很高得很 is incorrect; 他很高 is standard.

Certainly! A common mistake is saying 这个电影很有意思得很 (Zhège diànyǐng hěn yǒu yìsi de hěn). The phrase 很有意思 already means 'very interesting,' so adding 得很 afterward is redundant and sounds unnatural. The correct, simpler form is 这个电影很有意思.

Besides , you can use 非常 (fēicháng - very, extremely), 特别 (tèbié - especially, particularly), 极其 (jíqí - extremely, formal), and the structure 太...了 (tài...le - too...!). Each has slightly different nuances and formality levels.

太...了 often expresses a strong emotional reaction, sometimes surprise or even slight exaggeration, like 'sooo good!' or 'too much!'. 得很 is more about emphasizing the degree itself in a natural, descriptive way, often feeling more grounded than 太...了.

While 得很 is widely understood and used across Mandarin-speaking regions, its frequency and specific usage might vary slightly. However, it remains a fundamental way to add emphasis to adjectives in standard spoken Mandarin.

It depends on the context. For describing strong skills or achievements, 得很 can add impactful emphasis, like 我的解决问题的能力强得很 (My problem-solving skills are extremely strong). However, avoid it in very formal, stiff situations where 非常 might be safer.

No, 得很 is primarily used after adjectives to intensify their meaning. Adverbs that describe verbs typically use a different structure involving , such as 他跑得很快 (He runs very fast).

Yes, tone is important! Because 得很 adds emphasis, your tone of voice should match the intensity you want to convey. A flat tone might make it sound less impactful, while an enthusiastic tone will make it really shine.

You can sometimes achieve greater emphasis through repetition or combining phrases, but 得很 is already quite strong for everyday use. For extreme emphasis, context and tone become crucial, or you might use phrases like 简直是... (jiǎnzhí shì... - simply is...) or more descriptive language.

The structure likely evolved from older grammatical patterns where served to link descriptive elements. originally meant 'very' and its placement shifted over time. The combination 得很 became a fixed, idiomatic way to intensify adjectives, particularly in spoken language.

It's generally not recommended. Idioms (chengyu) often have fixed structures and meanings. Trying to add 得很 to an idiom might break its form or alter its intended meaning, sounding unnatural.

If you want basic emphasis, use . If you want to really stress the point, sound enthusiastic, or use more colloquial language, go for 得很. When in doubt in casual settings, 得很 often adds a nice touch!

Grammatically, 得很 functions as an adverbial complement that follows an adjective. The here isn't the standalone 'very' but part of the fixed phrase 得很 which modifies the preceding adjective, indicating a high degree.

Yes, definitely! In online reviews for products, restaurants, or services, 得很 is frequently used to add emphasis and convey a strong opinion, whether positive or negative. For example, 服务好得很 (Service is excellent!) or 质量差得很 (Quality is terribly poor!).

Related Phrases

🔗

related topic

very

This is the basic intensifier, whereas `得很` provides a stronger, often more colloquial emphasis after the adjective.

🔄

非常

synonym

very, extremely

`非常` is another common intensifier, often used in slightly more formal contexts than `得很`, and precedes the adjective.

🔗

太...了

related topic

too...!

This structure also expresses strong emphasis, often with a tone of surprise or emotion, differing from the descriptive intensity of `得很`.

👔

极其

formal version

extremely

`极其` is a more formal and literary way to express extreme degree, contrasting with the informal feel of `得很`.

🔗

得 (particle)

related topic

structural particle

This `得` is often confused with the `得` in `得很`, but it functions differently, typically linking verbs to descriptive complements.

↔️

一点儿

antonym

a little bit

This phrase signifies a minimal degree, acting as a contrast to the strong emphasis provided by `得很`.

🔗

related topic

really

`真` can also intensify adjectives, often with a sense of genuine surprise or sincerity, similar to `得很` but typically used before the adjective.

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