déle: 得了 - That's Enough; To Get/Contract (an illness)

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• Summary: “得了” (déle) is a highly versatile and common phrase in Mandarin Chinese that every learner should know. Depending on tone and context, it can mean “That's enough!” or “Stop it!”, often used to express impatience. It can also mean “alright” or “that will do,” indicating something is sufficient. Additionally, “得了” is the standard way to say you have “gotten” or “contracted” an illness, such as 得了感冒 (déle gǎnmào), “to get a cold.” Understanding the different nuances of 得了 is key to navigating everyday Chinese conversations.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dé le
• Part of Speech: Interjection / Verb Phrase
• HSK Level: HSK 3 (as part of verb phrases like 得了病), HSK 4/5 (as a standalone colloquial expression).
• Concise Definition: A versatile phrase used to mean “that's enough,” “okay,” or “to have contracted (an illness).”
• In a Nutshell: Think of 得了 as a conversational Swiss Army knife. Its meaning is almost entirely decided by your tone of voice. Said with a sigh and a wave of the hand, it's a command to stop. Said with a nod, it's a simple “that'll do.” In a neutral tone, it's a factual statement about catching a cold. It's a phrase that moves from expressing annoyance to simple sufficiency to a statement of health.

• 得 (dé): This character's core meaning is “to get,” “to obtain,” or “to gain.” It implies the acquisition of something.
• 了 (le): A grammatical particle that usually indicates a completed action or a change of state. It's similar to adding “-ed” to a verb in English or signaling that a new situation now exists.

When combined, 得了 (déle) literally means “have gotten” or “have obtained.” This directly explains its use for illnesses—you have “gotten” the sickness. For its other meanings like “that's enough,” the logic is more figurative: the state of “it is sufficient” has been reached or obtained.

得了 is a fascinating window into the directness and efficiency of everyday Chinese communication. While Chinese culture often values indirectness and saving face, 得了 provides a socially acceptable “off-ramp” to a tedious or annoying conversation without resorting to overtly rude language like “Shut up!” (闭嘴, bì zuǐ). A good Western comparison for the impatient usage of “得了，得了！” (déle, déle!) is the English phrase “Alright, alright, I get it!” or “Okay, okay, enough already!” Both convey a mix of acknowledgment and a firm request to stop. They signal that the speaker has received the message and any further discussion is unnecessary or unwelcome. It's a tool for setting conversational boundaries among peers and family, reflecting a value of pragmatism and not wasting time on circular arguments or excessive complaints. Using it correctly shows a deeper understanding of social dynamics than just knowing the dictionary definition.

The function of 得了 is heavily dependent on context and tone. Here are its primary uses:

This is one of the most common uses in daily conversation. When someone is complaining, nagging, or bragging excessively, a sharp “得了!” is used to cut them off. It's informal and should be used with friends and family, not with superiors or elders, as it could be seen as disrespectful.

In a more neutral or even positive tone, 得了 can simply mean that something is sufficient or acceptable. It's a way of saying “that's good enough” or “that will work.” It's a pragmatic way to conclude a decision.

This is the most literal meaning of 得了. It's the standard structure for saying someone has come down with a specific sickness or disease. This usage is neutral and can be used in any level of formality.

With a sarcastic or drawn-out tone, 得了 can be used to mean “Oh, please…” or “Give me a break.” It dismisses what the other person is saying as unbelievable or absurd.

• Example 1:
  • 得了，你别再抱怨了，快去工作吧！
  • Pinyin: Déle, nǐ bié zài bàoyuàn le, kuài qù gōngzuò ba!
  • English: That's enough, stop complaining and get to work!
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of using 得了 to express impatience and cut short someone's complaints. The tone would be firm.
• Example 2:
  • 我妈妈最近身体不好，得了重感冒。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ māmā zuìjìn shēntǐ bù hǎo, déle zhòng gǎnmào.
  • English: My mom hasn't been well recently, she's gotten a bad cold.
  • Analysis: Here, 得了 is used in its literal, neutral sense to mean contracting an illness.
• Example 3:
  • A: “我们还需要买些水果吗？” B: “这些就得了，够了。”
  • Pinyin: A: “Wǒmen hái xūyào mǎi xiē shuǐguǒ ma?” B: “Zhèxiē jiù déle, gòu le.”
  • English: A: “Do we still need to buy more fruit?” B: “This much will do, it's enough.”
  • Analysis: This shows the “sufficiency” meaning. The speaker is confirming that what they have is adequate, and no more is needed.
• Example 4:
  • 得了得了，我知道你最厉害了，行了吧？
  • Pinyin: Déle déle, wǒ zhīdào nǐ zuì lìhài le, xíng le ba?
  • English: Alright, alright, I know you're the best, happy now?
  • Analysis: The repetition “得了得了” and the tone make this sarcastic. The speaker doesn't actually mean it; they just want the other person to stop bragging.
• Example 5:
  • 听说他年纪轻轻就得了癌症，真可怜。
  • Pinyin: Tīngshuō tā niánjì qīngqīng jiù déle áizhèng, zhēn kělián.
  • English: I heard he got cancer at such a young age, it's so pitiful.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the use of 得了 for serious diseases, not just common colds. The context is somber and serious.
• Example 6:
  • 就这样得了，我们别再讨论这个问题了。
  • Pinyin: Jiù zhèyàng déle, wǒmen bié zài tǎolùn zhège wèntí le.
  • English: Let's just leave it at that, and not discuss this problem anymore.
  • Analysis: Here, 得了 is used to finalize a decision or end a discussion, similar to “that settles it.”
• Example 7:
  • A: “我帮你把房间打扫干净吧？” B: “得了，你别帮倒忙了。”
  • Pinyin: A: “Wǒ bāng nǐ bǎ fángjiān dǎsǎo gānjìng ba?” B: “Déle, nǐ bié bāngdàománg le.”
  • English: A: “Should I help you clean the room?” B: “Forget it, you'll just make things worse.”
  • Analysis: A dismissive use of 得了, akin to “don't even bother.” It's a blunt rejection of an offer.
• Example 8:
  • 这孩子从小就没得过什么大病。
  • Pinyin: Zhè háizi cóngxiǎo jiù méi dé guo shénme dà bìng.
  • English: This child has never had any serious illnesses since he was little.
  • Analysis: This shows the negative form, 没得过 (méi dé guo), using the particle 过 (guo) to indicate past experience.
• Example 9:
  • 得了，算我错了，行了吧？我向你道歉。
  • Pinyin: Déle, suàn wǒ cuò le, xíng le ba? Wǒ xiàng nǐ dàoqiàn.
  • English: Alright, fine, I was wrong, okay? I apologize to you.
  • Analysis: This is a reluctant admission of fault. The 得了 signals that the speaker is conceding, perhaps grudgingly, just to end the argument.
• Example 10:
  • A: “这个计划太复杂了。” B: “我们就用第一个方案得了。”
  • Pinyin: A: “Zhège jìhuà tài fùzá le.” B: “Wǒmen jiù yòng dì yī gè fāng'àn déle.”
  • English: A: “This plan is too complicated.” B: “Let's just go with the first option then.”
  • Analysis: Used at the end of a sentence, it can function as a suggestion, meaning “and that will be sufficient” or “that's the simplest way.”

• Tone is Everything: This is the most critical point. A friendly, nodding “得了” means “that'll do.” A sharp, clipped “得了!” means “Cut it out!” An exaggerated, drawn-out “得——了——” is pure sarcasm. Using the wrong tone can completely change your meaning and potentially offend someone.
• False Friend: 得了 (déle) vs. 好了 (hǎo le)

This is a very common point of confusion for learners. While they can sometimes both mean “okay” or “that's enough,” they have different flavors.

• 好了 (hǎo le): Generally means “it's ready,” “it's done,” or a more soothing “okay, okay.”
  • `饭好了 (fàn hǎo le)` - The food is ready.
  • `好了，别哭了 (hǎo le, bié kū le)` - “There, there, don't cry.” (Comforting)
• 得了 (déle): Implies sufficiency, finality, or impatience.
  • `得了，别哭了 (dé le, bié kū le)` - “Alright, that's enough crying.” (Impatient)
• In short: 好了 often has a positive or neutral/ready connotation, while 得了 leans towards impatience or simple sufficiency.
• Incorrect Usage: Formality

Do not use the “that's enough” meaning of 得了 in formal settings. Telling your boss, “得了, I've heard enough of your presentation,” would be extremely rude and career-limiting. In formal contexts, stick to its literal meaning of contracting an illness.

• 好了 (hǎo le) - Means “ready,” “done,” or a more gentle “okay.” Often confused with 得了.
• 行了 (xíng le) - Means “that will work” or “that's okay.” Very close in meaning to the “sufficiency” sense of 得了.
• 够了 (gòu le) - “It's enough.” Often used to express that a limit has been reached, and it's usually stronger and more direct than 得了.
• 算了 (suàn le) - “Forget it” or “never mind.” Used when you are dropping a subject or giving up on something.
• 生病 (shēng bìng) - The general, common verb for “to get sick.” You can say 我生病了 (wǒ shēng bìng le).
• 感冒 (gǎnmào) - “A cold” or “the flu.” A noun very frequently used after 得了.
• 闭嘴 (bì zuǐ) - “Shut up.” This is a very rude and direct command, whereas 得了 is a more socially nuanced way to ask someone to stop.
• 可以了 (kěyǐ le) - “That's acceptable” or “that's good enough.” Similar to the “sufficiency” meaning of 得了, but perhaps a bit more positive.