Degree Complement (得)

得 (de) is a structural particle used after a verb to link it to a description of how the action was performed. This is called a degree complement. The pattern is: Verb + 得 + Description. For example, "她跑得很快" (tā pǎo de hěn kuài) — "She runs very fast." Here 得 connects the verb 跑 (run) to the description 很快 (very fast).

This is different from the other two "de" particles in Chinese: 的 (possessive/descriptive marker) and 地 (adverbial marker). 得 specifically describes the result, manner, or extent of an action after it happens.

When the verb has an object, you must repeat the verb before adding 得: "她说中文说得很好" (She speaks Chinese very well). Alternatively, you can move the object to the front: "中文她说得很好" or "她中文说得很好." You cannot say "她说中文得很好" — the object cannot come between the verb and 得.

To negate, change the description: "他唱得不好" (He doesn't sing well). To ask about the degree, use "怎么样": "他说得怎么样？" (How does he speak?) This complement structure is essential for describing abilities, performance, and the manner of actions.