Verb + 得 (degree)
HSK 2- Complements
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Use the particle 得 after a verb to describe the degree, state, or result of that action.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This structure is used to evaluate or describe an action. 得 (de) is a particle that connects a verb to a complement describing how or to what degree the action is performed.
When the sentence has an object, you must repeat the verb: Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + Complement. For example, instead of 我写汉字很好, you must say 我写汉字写得很好 (I write Chinese characters very well).
Note: 得 here is pronounced de (neutral tone), not dé (to obtain) or děi (must).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他跑得很快。Tā pǎo de hěn kuài.
He runs very fast.
- 她说中文说得很好。繁: 她說中文說得很好。Tā shuō Zhōngwén shuō de hěn hǎo.
She speaks Chinese very well.
- 你今天穿得很漂亮。Nǐ jīntiān chuān de hěn piàoliang.
You look very pretty in what you're wearing today.
- 老师教得很好。繁: 老師教得很好。Lǎoshī jiāo de hěn hǎo.
The teacher teaches very well.
- 我们玩得很高兴。繁: 我們玩得很高興。Wǒmen wán de hěn gāoxìng.
We had a lot of fun playing.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他跑很快。Correct:他跑得很快。
Must use the particle 得 to connect the verb (跑) with a degree complement (很快).
- Wrong:他说汉语很好。Correct:他说汉语说得很好。
When there is an object (汉语), the verb must be repeated before 得. Alternatively, you can say: 他汉语说得很好.
- Wrong:我写得汉字很好。Correct:我写汉字写得很好。
The object (汉字) cannot be placed after an adverbial of degree; the object must immediately follow the first verb.