别提多 + Adjective + 了
HSK 6- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Used to emphasize a very high degree of an adjective, meaning 'needless to say how… it is'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is a fixed structure used for exclamation, emphasizing an extremely high degree of some quality or emotion. 别提 here does not mean "don't mention it," but is a hyperbolic expression that can be translated as "beyond words," "needless to say," or "extremely." The modal particle 了 at the end of the sentence is obligatory.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 收到礼物我别提多高兴了。繁: 收到禮物我別提多高興了。Shōudào lǐwù wǒ biétí duō gāoxìng le.
I was so happy to receive the gift, I can't even tell you how much.
- 昨天的考试别提多难了。繁: 昨天的考試別提多難了。Zuótiān de kǎoshì biétí duō nán le.
Yesterday's exam was incredibly difficult.
- 那家餐厅的菜别提多好吃了。繁: 那家餐廳的菜別提多好吃了。Nà jiā cāntīng de cài biétí duō hǎochī le.
The dishes at that restaurant are incredibly delicious.
- 放假了，孩子们别提多开心了。繁: 放假了，孩子們別提多開心了。Fàngjià le, háizimen biétí duō kāixīn le.
The school holidays have started, and the children couldn't be happier.
- 山上的风景别提多美了。繁: 山上的風景別提多美了。Shān shàng de fēngjǐng biétí duō měi le.
The scenery on the mountain is indescribably beautiful.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他听说这个消息别提多高兴。Correct:他听说这个消息别提多高兴了。
The particle 了 is a mandatory component in this fixed structure and cannot be omitted.
- Wrong:这个电影别提多不好看。Correct:这个电影别提多难看了。
This structure typically pairs with adjectives having strong connotations for emphasis; 难看 (ugly/unsightly) is more suitable than 不好看 (not good-looking).