01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
他说得很清楚。
He speaks very clearly.
很清楚 describes the way he speaks.
她唱歌唱得很好。
She sings very well.
The verb 唱 is repeated so that 得 can follow it directly.
这段话你读得太快了。
You read this passage too quickly.
The passage is placed first as the topic; 太快 comments on the reading.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
得 after a verb introduces a description of how the action is performed or how well it goes. 他说得很清楚 means “He speaks very clearly.” The comment 很清楚 follows the action; it is not an object of 说. This is a different 得 from readings such as děi, “must,” and it is a different character from the possessive particle 的.
When the verb has an object, avoid dropping that object between 得 and its description. One useful solution is to repeat the verb: 她唱歌唱得很好. Another is to make the object the topic: 这段话他读得很慢. Both allow 得 to follow the verb directly, with the description after it. Start with a short verb + 得 + description.
The description can be positive or negative. 写得不清楚 comments on the lack of clarity in the writing; 不 belongs inside that description. This differs from simply saying someone does not write. 得 constructions can also develop into more detailed degree and result descriptions, but begin with a few clear qualities such as 快, 慢, 好, and 清楚. Read the whole sentence as a comment on the action, then check that the words after 得 actually supply that comment.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid他说得中文很清楚。
Use他说中文说得很清楚。
Do not insert the object 中文 between 得 and the description. Repeat 说 after the object, then add 得很清楚.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 清楚 | qīngchu | clear |
| 唱歌 | chàng gē | to sing |
| 慢 | màn | slow |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
