Complex complements of state
In Chinese, the particle 得 (de) is used to introduce a complex complement of state. It describes the degree, result, or vivid condition resulting from an action or state. 得 is preceded by a verb or adjective and followed by a descriptive verb phrase. It usually translates to English as “so [adjective/verb] that...” or “to the point where...”.
Grammar Rules
1. Before 得: a verb (action) or an adjective (state).
2. After 得: a verb phrase that vividly illustrates the outcome or intensity of that action or state.
Grammar Structure
Subject + Verb / Adjective + 得 + Verb Phrase (State / Result)
Examples
孩子们玩儿得不想回家
弟弟高兴得跳了起来
儿子累得下了班就睡觉了
人们忙得没时间跟别人见面
Important Note
The structural particle 得 (de) acts as a structural bridge and carries no standalone meaning in English.
The clause following 得 vividly demonstrates how extreme or intense the preceding verb or adjective is.