Verb + 得 + Adverbial
Use this when you want to describe HOW an action is done — fast, well, clearly, beautifully. The 得 (de) sits between the verb and a descriptive phrase, and that phrase rates the verb. 跑得很快 = runs very fast. 说得很清楚 = speaks very clearly. This is one of the first three grammar patterns every learner needs because it unlocks adverbial description for any action.
Structure
[VERB] + 得 + [DESCRIPTOR (Adjective / Adverbial Phrase)]
[VERB] + de + [DESCRIPTOR]
How to Think About It
得 is a connector — a one-character hinge that opens a slot for evaluating the verb. The descriptor on the right side is almost always preceded by 很 (or another intensifier), even when the meaning is neutral: 他跑得很快 doesn't mean 'very fast,' it just means 'fast.' Without the 很, the adjective sounds like the start of a comparison: 他跑得快 implies '...compared to someone slower.' Treat the 得 + 很 + adjective as the default frame, and only drop the 很 when you specifically want the comparative feel.
Examples
他跑得很快。
tā pǎo de hěn kuài.
He runs fast.
你写字写得真漂亮。
nǐ xiě zì xiě de zhēn piàoliang.
You write characters really beautifully.
孩子睡得很安稳。
háizi shuì de hěn ān wěn.
The child is sleeping soundly.
Common Mistake
When there is an object, learners want to write '他说中文得很好,' inserting the object between the verb and 得. But the object cannot break the verb–得 bond. The fix is to either repeat the verb (他说中文说得很好) or front the object (他中文说得很好).
他说中文得很好。
他说中文说得很好。
Don't Confuse With
Adjective + 地 + Verb
地 comes BEFORE the verb and modifies the manner of the upcoming action (慢慢地走 = walks slowly). 得 comes AFTER and rates an action that already happened. Same English translation, opposite positions.
的 (possession)
Same pronunciation 'de' but different character. 的 marks possession or modification (我的书). 得 connects a verb to its descriptor.
Verb + 得 + Resultative
得 can also signal capability or extent (累得不能动 = so tired one can't move). Same character, slightly different function — context tells you which.
Practice
Fill the blank: 她唱____很好听。
Show answer
得
Fill the blank: 他中文说得很____。
Show answer
好
Arrange: 走 / 慢 / 很 / 得 / 他
Show answer
他走得很慢。
Translate to Chinese: She speaks English very fluently.
Show answer
她说英语说得很流利。
Write a sentence using Verb + 得 + adverbial to describe how someone does something.
Show answer
我妹妹画画画得非常好。
Hear It in Real Episodes
This pattern appears in 1 Fluentide episode: