How common it is
不得了 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say bù dé liǎo slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
不得了表示非常厉害、严重或了不起。
bù dé liǎo biǎo shì fēi cháng lì hài 、 yán zhòng huò liǎo bù qǐ。
不得了 means extremely, very serious, or amazing.
Context note
不得了常用于口语和强烈感受。
bù dé liǎo cháng yòng yú kǒu yǔ hé qiáng liè gǎn shòu。
It is often used in speech and strong feelings.
5 examples
今天热得不得了。
jīn tiān rè dé bù dé liǎo。
It is extremely hot today.
这个孩子聪明得不得了。
zhè ge hái zi cōng ming dé bù dé liǎo。
This child is extremely smart.
他忙得不得了。
tā máng dé bù dé liǎo。
He is extremely busy.
这件事严重得不得了。
zhè jiàn shì yán zhòng dé bù dé liǎo。
This matter is extremely serious.
她高兴得不得了。
tā gāo xìng dé bù dé liǎo。
She is extremely happy.
5 mini stories
天气热得不得了，大家都想喝水。
tiān qì rè dé bù dé liǎo， dà jiā dōu xiǎng hē shuǐ。
The weather was extremely hot, and everyone wanted water.
孩子跑得不得了，像风一样快。
hái zi pǎo dé bù dé liǎo， xiàng fēng yí yàng kuài。
The child ran extremely fast, like the wind.
他今天累得不得了。
tā jīn tiān lèi dé bù dé liǎo。
He is extremely tired today.
这条消息让大家高兴得不得了。
zhè tiáo xiāo xī ràng dà jiā gāo xìng dé bù dé liǎo。
This news made everyone extremely happy.
老师说这个问题重要得不得了。
lǎo shī shuō zhè ge wèn tí zhòng yào dé bù dé liǎo。
The teacher said this question is extremely important.