Definition
了得 is a versatile state verb (s.v.) with two opposite meanings depending on context. In a negative or exclamatory sense, it means 'outrageous', 'terrible', or 'unbearable' — often used in the fixed phrase 还了得 ('that would be awful!'). In a positive sense, it means 'extraordinary', 'remarkable', or 'unbelievably good' — similar to 了不起. The tone is always liǎo in standard Mandarin, though the data here lists 'le'. Be careful: the same word can express shock at something bad or admiration for something great, so context is everything.
s.v.
outrageousterrible (used in exclamations of disapproval or shock)extraordinaryremarkable (used to praise someone's ability or achievement)
Examples
- ，了得！Nǐ jìngrán gǎn dǎ lǎoshī, zhè hái le!You actually dared to hit the teacher? That's outrageous!
- ，了得！Tā yí ge rén wánchéng le sān ge rén de gōngzuò, zhēn shì le!He finished the work of three people all by himself — truly extraordinary!
- ，了得？Zhè diǎn xiǎoshì dōu zuò bù hǎo, hái le?You can't even handle this little thing? How outrageous!
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