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March 24, 2026
得了déle(de2le5)
The phrase '得了' (de le) is commonly used in Mandarin to express that something is acceptable or sufficient, often in emphatic or rhetorical contexts. It can convey a sense of resignation, indicating that a situation is manageable or that no further discussion is necessary.
Strokes13Frequency#3922DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
'得了' is often used in situations of negotiation or debate, reflecting the Chinese cultural emphasis on harmony and resolution. It encapsulates a pragmatic attitude towards conflicts, where reaching an agreement is prioritized over prolonged argumentation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person throwing their hands up in the air, saying '得了' as if to say, 'That's enough!' The character 得 (de) suggests 'to get' or 'to obtain,' while 了 (le) indicates a completed action, together forming the idea of reaching a conclusion or acceptance.
Meanings of 得了
déle(de2le5)
primary
1all right!
2(emphatically, in rhetorical questions) possible
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About 得了
得了Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 得了
Podcast: 得了
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AI Study Notes for 得了
Usage Notes
Learners should be mindful of using '得了' in informal contexts, as it can come across as dismissive if misused. It often appears in colloquial speech, and is frequently paired with negative phrases to suggest a compromise. Be careful with the tones, as mispronunciation can alter meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although '得了' is not specifically listed in HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at HSK 3 and above due to its frequent use in everyday conversation. Focus on understanding its usage in different contexts and its tonal pronunciation to enhance communication skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse '得了' with similar phrases like '可以' (kěyǐ) when they mean 'it's okay.' For example, saying '我可以得了' (Wǒ kěyǐ de le) is incorrect; instead, simply use '得了' on its own for emphasis.
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Pronunciation of 得了
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The phrase '得了' (de le) is commonly used in Mandarin to express that something is acceptable or sufficient, often in emphatic or rhetorical contexts. It can convey a sense of resignation, indicating that a situation is manageable or that no further discussion is necessary.
When to use 得了
Learners should be mindful of using '得了' in informal contexts, as it can come across as dismissive if misused. It often appears in colloquial speech, and is frequently paired with negative phrases to suggest a compromise. Be careful with the tones, as mispronunciation can alter meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse '得了' with similar phrases like '可以' (kěyǐ) when they mean 'it's okay.' For example, saying '我可以得了' (Wǒ kěyǐ de le) is incorrect; instead, simply use '得了' on its own for emphasis.
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While both 得了 (déle) and 了 (le) can indicate a change of state or completion, 得了 includes the concept of obtaining or achieving something. 了 is more general and often indicates a change without the connotation of accomplishment. Understanding the nuance can help you use them correctly.
得了 (déle) can be used in both formal and informal conversations when you want to express understanding or acknowledgment. It's also useful when discussing accomplishments or agreeing to something. Just be mindful of the tone and context to ensure it's appropriate.
You can use 得了 (déle) in a sentence to express that you have completed something or reached a conclusion. For example, '我终于得了这个项目的批准' (Wǒ zhōngyú déle zhège xiàngmù de pīzhǔn) means 'I finally got the approval for this project.' It's important to note the context to convey the right meaning.
得了 (déle) is an expression in Chinese that can mean 'got it' or 'understood.' It is often used to indicate that something has been achieved or that a situation has become clear. In some contexts, it can also imply a sense of resignation or acceptance of a situation.
'得了' is generally informal, so it's best avoided in formal contexts such as business meetings or official documents.
'得了' can imply acceptance, but depending on context, it may also suggest resignation or reluctance.
'得了' is primarily spoken and may not be as common in formal writing, where more precise language is preferred.
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