beginnerA1 · TOCFL a1comparisongrammar
得
Pattern
A + verb + 得 + 比 B + description
Key words
Core idea
Degree complements with 得 can compare how actions are done. The verb comes first, then 得, then the comparison description.
This lets Mandarin compare speaking speed, writing clarity, singing quality, and other action qualities.
Word order note
Keep 得 right after the verb. The comparison belongs in the complement after it.
Examples
他说得比我快。
Tā shuō de bǐ wǒ kuài.
He speaks faster than I do.
她写得比我清楚。
Tā xiě de bǐ wǒ qīngchu.
She writes more clearly than I do.
你唱得比昨天好。
Nǐ chàng de bǐ zuótiān hǎo.
You sing better than yesterday.
Common mistakes
Avoid
他说比我快。
Use
他说得比我快。
Use 得 after the verb when the comparison describes how the action is done.