Definitions
(particle)
structural particle used after verb; adjective to indicate effect, degree or possibility
(verb)
must; have to; need to
(verb)
to obtain; to get; to gain
About
The character "得" derives from an early pictorial concept combining the radical 彳, representing a road or movement, with a component originally depicting a hand seizing a shell, thereby conveying the concrete act of obtaining or acquiring something. This structural foundation emphasized physical acquisition, but over time the graphical form streamlined, with the shell element gradually transforming into the modern configuration of 旦 positioned above 寸, while the radical remained integral. The meaning expanded beyond mere physical possession to encompass abstract achievements or states of attainment, and it further evolved to serve essential grammatical functions, notably as a post-verbal particle indicating possibility or result, which allowed it to operate within complex verbal complements and thus broadened its role within the language.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我得到了礼物。
你跑得很快。
他高兴得跳了起来。
这菜做得很好吃。
我得去上班了。
这个消息让他激动得说不出话。
这些钱够不够用得看你怎么花。
他把自己描述得好像什么都懂似的。