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(Hái)子(zi)们(men)玩儿(wánr)得(de)不(bù)想(xiǎng)回(huí)家(jiā)。

The children had so much fun playing that they didn't want to go home.

弟(Dì)弟(di)高(gāo)兴(xìng)得(de)跳(tiào)了(le)起(qǐ)来(lái)。

Younger brother was so happy that he jumped up and down.

儿(Ér)子(zi)累(lèi)得(de)下(xià)了(le)班(bān)就(jiù)睡(shuì)觉(jiào)了(le)。

My son was so tired that he went straight to sleep right after work.

人(Rén)们(men)忙(máng)得(de)没(méi)时(shí)间(jiān)跟(gēn)别(bié)人(rén)见(jiàn)面(miàn)。

People are so busy that they don't have time to meet with others.

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.