极了 得不得了 得很
Pattern
Adjective + 极了 / 得不得了 / 得很
Key words
Core idea
These complements intensify an adjective or stative verb after it appears.
极了, 得不得了, and 得很 all mean the degree is high, but they do not have exactly the same feel.
Usage feel
极了 is a strong “extremely” complement.
得不得了 is expressive and often emotional.
得很 is common in descriptions and can sound matter-of-fact.
What learners often miss
Because these complements already carry degree, do not automatically add another degree adverb before the adjective in the same simple pattern.
Examples
今天冷极了。
Jīntiān lěng jí le.
Today is extremely cold.
他忙得不得了。
Tā máng de bùdéliǎo.
He is incredibly busy.
这家店远得很。
Zhè jiā diàn yuǎn de hěn.
This store is very far away.
Common mistakes
Avoid
今天很冷极了。
Use
今天冷极了。
Strong degree complements already intensify the adjective; do not stack 很 before the same adjective in this basic pattern.