Definition
得 (dé) is a particle placed between a verb and its complement to show that the action is possible or to describe the degree of the result. For example, '看得见' means 'can see', and '说得对' means 'speak correctly'. It is a key structure in Chinese for expressing ability or manner.
particle
used between a verb and a complement to indicate possibility or degree
Easily confused
- 得děilook-alikemust, have to, need to
- 的desound-alike(possessive/attribute particle) used after a modifier to indicate possession or attribute
Examples
- 。Wǒ kàndéjiàn nà běn shū.I can see that book.
- ？Nǐ chīdéle zhème duō ma?Can you eat this much?
- 得。Tā shuō dé duì.He speaks correctly.
Grammar
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