Lesson 36: Introduction to Complements of State (Degree/Manner) with "得 (de)"
This lesson introduces Complements of State (样态补语 - yàngtài bǔyǔ), which describe the manner, degree, or state of an action or quality. They are formed using the structural particle 得 (de).
For Verbs: Describes how an action is performed or to what extent.
Structure: Subject + Verb + 得 + Complement of State (Adjective/Verb Phrase, etc.).
Example: 他说得很流利。 (Tā shuō de hěn liúlì. - He speaks very fluently.)
If there is an object after the verb:
1. Repeat the verb: Subject + Verb + Object + Verb + 得 + Complement of State.
Example: 他说汉语说得很流利。 (Tā shuō Hànyǔ shuō de hěn liúlì. - He speaks Chinese very fluently.)
2. Place the object before the subject (topicalization): Object + Subject + Verb + 得 + Complement of State.
Example: 汉语他说得很流利。 (Hànyǔ tā shuō de hěn liúlì.)
For Adjectives: Describes the extent or degree of a quality, often indicating a very high degree leading to a certain result.
Structure: Subject + Adjective + 得 + Complement of State (often an expression of high degree or a result).
Example: 他高兴得跳了起来。 (Tā gāoxìng de tiào le qilai. - He was so happy that he jumped up.)
Common complements for adjectives include 很 (hěn), 不得了 (bùdéliǎo - extremely), 要命 (yàomìng - extremely).
Negation: Verb/Adjective + 得 + 不 + Adjective/Phrase (that forms the complement).
Example: 他说得不流利。 (Tā shuō de bù liúlì. - He doesn't speak fluently.)
Interrogative Form: Often uses A-not-A pattern: Verb/Adjective + 得 + Complement + 不 + Complement?
Example: 他跑得快不快? (Tā pǎo de kuài bu kuài? - Does he run fast or not?)
The particle "得 (de)" in complements of state is crucial for linking the verb or adjective to its description of manner or degree. It is different from the possessive "的 (de)" and the potential complement "得 (de)".