Advanced degree complements

The expression of "degree" following a verb is quite broad. A vast array of adjectives can appear in the degree complement following verbs, indicating degree and quality. When it comes to adjectives, however, expression of degree is often much more limited. The following are some of the more common degree complements which follow adjectives.

Common Patterns

• Adj. + 得 + 很
• Adj. + 得 + 不得了
• Adj. + 得 + 要命
• Adj. + 得 + 不行

Examples

• 这个 学生 聪明 得很 。This student is super smart.
• 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.
• 听说 儿子 又 跟 同学 打架 了 ，爸爸 气 得 不得了 。Having heard his son was fighting with his classmate again, the father was incensed.
• 我 儿子 淘气 得 要命 。My son is incredibly naughty.
• 今天 路上 堵 得 要命 ！The traffic is terrible!
• 地铁 挤 得 要命 ！The metro is so crowded!
• 我 的 牙 痛 得 不 行 ！My teeth hurt so badly!
• 外面 热 得 不 行 。It's awfully hot outside.

See also

• Degree complement
• Adjectives with "-ji le"
• Complement "-huai le"

Sources and further reading

Books

HSK5