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How to express extreme degree with 得 (de) in Chinese

Adj. + 得 (de) + 很 (hěn) / 不得了 (bù de le) / 要命 (yàomìng) / 不行 (bùxíng)

Advanced degree complements

HSK 5Complements

Rule structure

Degree complements describe the extent or degree of an action or state. Advanced forms often use full clauses or vivid expressions after 得 (de) to depict extreme situations.

Examples

他气得说不出话来。

Tā qì de shuō bù chū huà lái.

He was so angry that he couldn’t speak.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Advanced degree complements” in Chinese?

Use the structure: Adj. + 得 (de) + 很 (hěn) / 不得了 (bù de le) / 要命 (yàomìng) / 不行 (bùxíng). For example: 他气得说不出话来。 — “He was so angry that he couldn’t speak.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他气得说不出话来。 — “He was so angry that he couldn’t speak.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.

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