不得了 - Expressing "extremely"

HSK 5

不得了 (bùdéliǎo) is a phrase used to express when something is "extremely" or "incredibly" intense or significant. It adds emphasis to situations, feelings, or qualities, making them seem more urgent or extraordinary.

The word 得了 (déliǎo) on its own means "able to" or "manage to," but when paired with 不 (bù), it turns into 不得了, meaning something is beyond control or super intense. It's a handy way to show just how big or important something feels!

Sample Sentences

这道菜辣得不得了。(This dish is extremely spicy.)

她的英语说得流利得不得了。(Her English is incredibly fluent.)

这部电影感人得不得了。(This movie is extremely touching.)

In a Text

昨天我去参加了一个朋友的生日派对，结果现场热闹得不得了。大家都穿得特别漂亮，气氛非常欢快。音乐响得很大，大家在舞池里跳得特别开心。还有一个朋友特别厉害，她的歌声好得不得了，所有人都为她鼓掌叫好。总之，这个派对真的是精彩得不得了，让我非常开心！

• 欢快 (huānkuài) - joyful, cheerful

• 舞池 (wǔchí) - dance floor

• 鼓掌 (gǔzhǎng) - to applaud, to clap

• 精彩 (jīngcǎi) - wonderful, brilliant, spectacular

Yesterday, I went to a friend’s birthday party, and the atmosphere was incredibly lively. Everyone was dressed very beautifully, and the mood was extremely joyful. The music was playing loudly, and everyone was dancing happily on the dance floor. There was also a friend who was exceptionally talented; her singing was outstanding, and everyone applauded and cheered for her. In short, the party was incredibly wonderful and made me very happy!