HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#2
Adjectival Complement “de hěn”
得很
How it works
得很 (de hěn) is a degree complement used after an adjective. It means “very” or “extremely” and is common in spoken Chinese, often with an emphatic, subjective tone.
Compare 很满意 with 满意得很: both express a high degree, while the second places the emphasis after the adjective. 得很 is not inherently more formal or literary.
The pattern
Adjective + 得很 (de hěn)
Example sentences
他对这个结果满意得很。
He is very satisfied with this result.
这孩子聪明得很，很多事情一学就会。
This child is very smart and learns many things very quickly.
那地方安静得很，很适合写东西。
That place is very quiet and very suitable for writing.
Key point
Use Adjective + 得很. 得 is pronounced with the neutral tone, de. The effect depends on context and intonation, rather than a simple formal-versus-informal distinction.