得 (de) Resultative Complement: Learn how to express that an action is done to such an extent that it leads to a certain result using the 得 (de) structure
1 Basic Sentence Structure
The 得 (de) structure is used to describe the degree or result of an action or state. It connects a verb/adjective with a complement that describes the extent or outcome. This pattern is commonly used to emphasize how extreme a situation is.
Cause and Effect Flow
Complete Sentence: 她很生气，气得连话都说不出来了。
(She is so angry that she can’t even speak.)
Using Adjectives with 得
When the word before 得 is an adjective, it describes a state or condition that leads to a result:
Key point: The adjective describes a state that causes the following result
Using Verbs with 得
When the word before 得 is a verb, it describes an action that leads to a result:
Key point: The verb describes an action that causes the following result
气 (qì)
He was so angry that he broke the door.
忙 (máng)
I was so busy that I didn’t sleep for three days.
累 (lèi)
He was so tired that he fell asleep on the sofa.
笑 (xiào)
The child laughed so much that he couldn’t stop.
2 Detailed Structure Analysis
Unlock this content and all our premium features with a membership. Get access to graded HSK video lessons, grammar breakdowns, vocab lists, online tests, and more!
Already a member? Sign in.
3 Common Usage Patterns and Variations
Unlock this content and all our premium features with a membership. Get access to graded HSK video lessons, grammar breakdowns, vocab lists, online tests, and more!
Already a member? Sign in.
Practice Exercises
Unlock this content and all our premium features with a membership. Get access to graded HSK video lessons, grammar breakdowns, vocab lists, online tests, and more!
Already a member? Sign in.