How to use 得 (de) to describe how an action is done
Verb + 得 (de)⋯⋯
Degree complement
Verb + 得 (de)⋯⋯
HSK 2ComplementsDegree complement
Rule structure
These complements (程度补语 (chéngdù bǔyǔ)) appear after a verb or adjective and describe the degree of an action, state, or quality. They often use 得 (de) to connect the main word with the degree description.
Rule structure
These complements (程度补语 (chéngdù bǔyǔ)) appear after a verb or adjective and describe the degree of an action, state, or quality. They often use 得 (de) to connect the main word with the degree description.
Examples
他跑得很快。
Tā pǎo de hěn kuài.
He runs very fast.
Examples
他跑得很快。
Tā pǎo de hěn kuài.
He runs very fast.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Degree complement” in Chinese?
Use the structure: Verb + 得 (de)⋯⋯. For example: 他跑得很快。 — “He runs very fast.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他跑得很快。 — “He runs very fast.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
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Result complements
Verb + 好 (hǎo) / 完 (wán) / 错 (cuò)
Result complement "-完 (wán)" for finishing
Verb + 完 (wán) (+ 了 (le))
Potential complement "-不懂 (bù dǒng)" for not understanding
Verb + 不懂 (bù dǒng)
Superlative "最 (zuì)"
最 (zuì) + Adj. (+ 了 (le))
Direction with "到 (dào) + place + 去 (qù)"
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
Expressing "although" with "虽然 (suīrán)" and "但是 (dànshì)"
虽然 (suīrán)⋯⋯，但是 (dànshì) / 可是 (kěshì)⋯⋯
Verbing briefly with "一下 (yíxià)"
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)