Verb + 得不得了
HSK 5- Complements
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure '得不得了' is used after a verb or adjective to express an extremely high degree that is beyond description.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is a degree complement used to emphasize that a state has reached an extreme. 得不得了 carries a slightly exaggerated tone and can be used in both positive and negative situations. It is similar in meaning to expressions like "incredibly…," "terribly…," or "extremely…" in English. This structure makes speech more vivid and emotionally expressive.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他高兴得不得了。繁: 他高興得不得了。Tā gāoxìng de bùdéliǎo.
He was extremely happy.
- 我的肚子疼得不得了。Wǒ de dùzi téng de bùdéliǎo.
My stomach hurts terribly.
- 今天外面热得不得了。繁: 今天外面熱得不得了。Jīntiān wàimiàn rè de bùdéliǎo.
It's terribly hot outside today.
- 这碗面好吃得不得了。繁: 這碗麵好吃得不得了。Zhè wǎn miàn hǎochī de bùdéliǎo.
This bowl of noodles is incredibly delicious.
- 这个消息让他激动得不得了。繁: 這個消息讓他激動得不得了。Zhège xiāoxi ràng tā jīdòng de bùdéliǎo.
This news made him extremely excited.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:今天不得了热。Correct:今天热得不得了。
得不得了 is a degree complement that must follow the adjective or verb it modifies; it cannot precede it.
- Wrong:我喜欢得不得了这本书。Correct:这本书我喜欢得不得了。
When a verb has an object, you need to move the object to the front of the sentence or repeat the verb.