How to use 得很；得不得了
Adjective + 得 + 很 / 不得了 / 要命 / 不行
A degree complement can intensify an adjective from after the predicate rather than placing a degree word before it. 得很 gives a strong evaluation, while 得不得了, 得要命, and 得不行 often sound more vivid or emotional. These phrases communicate how strongly the speaker experiences the quality, rather than providing an objective numerical measurement of it.
Keep 得 between the adjective and the degree expression. The choice should fit the situation and the usual combinations of the adjective: expressions suggesting unbearable intensity particularly suit discomfort or frustration, although some occur with positive qualities too. Do not treat every descriptive complement after 得 as one of these fixed intensifying patterns.
Examples with pinyin and English
这个孩子自私得很。
This child is super selfish.
我老婆的工作轻松得很。
My wife's job is extremely easy and relaxed.
我爸爸固执得不得了。
My father is awfully stubborn.
赢了比赛以后，他骄傲得不得了。
He was terribly proud after he won the competition.
What to remember
- Put 得 after the adjective.
- Choose the degree expression to match the tone.
- Learn natural combinations rather than translating intensifiers mechanically.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.