HSK 5
够⋯⋯的
gòu ⋯ ⋯ de
Structure '够⋯⋯的' emphasizes a high degree
Explanation
够⋯⋯的 (gòu...de) is a fixed structure used to emphasize that a quality or state reaches a fairly high degree, enough to make an impression or lead to some result. It can be translated as "quite...", "...considerably", "...to a notable degree".
够 (gòu) + adjective / verb phrase + 的 (de). Here 够 originally means "enough," but takes on the sense of "quite, sufficiently high"; 的 (de) is a particle (function word) placed at the end to heighten the exclamatory nuance. Often 了 (le) or the adverbs 真/可 (zhēn/kě - really) are added for more emphasis: 真够聪明的.
In spoken language, when expressing the feeling that something is at a considerably high level (够难的 - quite difficult, 够忙的 - considerably busy). Usually used with qualities that strongly impress the speaker.
Vietnamese learners often forget the 的 (de) at the end, saying 够难 which is incomplete. The pair 够...的 must be complete: 这本书够难的. Also, 够 here differs from the usual meaning "enough in quantity" (钱够了 - enough money); in this structure it emphasizes degree.
Examples
These few tasks right in front of him are enough to keep him quite busy.
He really is quite clever — he actually seized this opportunity.
This book is quite difficult; he surely won't be able to understand it.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “够⋯⋯的” effectively
The grammar point “够⋯⋯的” (Structure '够⋯⋯的' emphasizes a high degree) is one of the key structures at HSK 5. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.