动词+得+adj — verb + degree complement
HSK 3 | grammar pattern | describes how well or intensely an action is performed
动词+得+adj (Verb + Degree Complement)
The degree complement uses 得 (de) after a verb to introduce an adjective or descriptive phrase that evaluates the manner or degree of the action. It answers the question "how well?" or "to what extent?"
Structure
Verb + 得 + Adjective/Descriptive Phrase
If the verb takes an object, the verb must be repeated: Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + Adjective.
Example Sentences
她唱歌唱得很好听。 Tā chànggē chàng de hěn hǎotīng. She sings very beautifully.
他跑得非常快。 Tā pǎo de fēicháng kuài. He runs extremely fast.
你说得对，我应该早点去。 Nǐ shuō de duì, wǒ yīnggāi zǎodiǎn qù. You're right; I should go earlier.
他写字写得很漂亮。 Tā xiězì xiě de hěn piàoliang. He writes characters very neatly.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 说得好 | said well, well put |
| 做得不错 | done quite well |
| 睡得很香 | slept very soundly |
| 玩得开心 | had a great time playing |
| 笑得很开心 | laughed happily |
Memory Hook
得 acts as an equals sign between the action and its quality score. After the verb, 得 signals: "here comes the rating."