Fixed Phrase: 得了
得了
Use 得了 to express "that's enough," "forget it," or "just do X then"
A colloquial expression meaning "that's enough," "forget it," or "come on." Used to dismiss an idea, end a discussion, cut someone off, or suggest a simple solution. 得了吧 adds a slightly more dismissive or sarcastic tone.
Pronounced déle (second tone + neutral tone), not děle. This is important because 得 has multiple pronunciations. The added 吧 softens it slightly but often adds sarcasm. Context and tone of voice determine the exact nuance.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Fixed Phrase: 得了 (得了)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 得了 pattern
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Understanding 得了
The phrase 得了 is pure spoken Chinese — you will rarely see it in formal writing, but you will hear it constantly in daily conversation. It serves as a verbal full stop, a way to shut down a line of thinking and move on. When someone is overthinking a problem, you might say 别想了，你自己去得了 (Stop overthinking — just go yourself). When someone is bragging, a friend might fire back with 得了吧 (Oh come on / Give me a break). The phrase can also be a practical suggestion — 麻烦别人还不如你自己去得了 (Instead of bothering others, just go yourself). The key insight is that 得了 always carries an undertone of "enough already" — whether that is impatience, dismissiveness, or practical redirection. The variant 得了吧 adds an extra layer of skepticism or sarcasm, particularly when questioning someone's claims or ideas.
Key Points
- 得了 (déle) = "that's enough / forget it / just do it then" — a conversational closer.
- 得了吧 adds skepticism or sarcasm: "Oh come on / Give me a break."
- Pronounced déle (2nd tone), not děle — this is a common pronunciation trap.
- Used to dismiss, redirect, or cut off a conversation or idea.
- Can suggest a practical alternative: V + 得了 = "just V then" (你自己去得了).
- Purely colloquial — avoid in formal writing or speeches.
Chinese conversational culture values efficiency and directness among close friends and family. 得了 is one of many phrases that allow speakers to cut through unnecessary deliberation and get to the point. It would be rude to use with strangers or superiors, but among friends it signals intimacy and trust.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
麻烦别人还不如你自己去得了。
Instead of bothering others, you might as well just go yourself.
Practical suggestion
得了吧，他不可能帮助别人的。
Come on — he would never help anyone.
Dismissive / skeptical
你可得了吧，谁能这么想呢？
Oh give me a break — who would think like that?
Sarcastic dismissal
得了，别吵了，大家安静一下。
Enough — stop arguing. Everyone quiet down.
Stopping an argument
买那么贵的干什么？买个便宜的得了。
Why buy something so expensive? Just buy a cheap one.
Practical redirection
得了得了，我知道了，你别说了。
Alright alright, I get it — stop talking.
Impatient
Common Mistakes
This is a pronunciation mistake. In this fixed phrase, 得 is pronounced dé (second tone), not dě (third tone). Mispronouncing it may cause confusion with other uses of 得.
得了吧 is very casual and can sound dismissive or rude. Never use it with teachers, bosses, or elders. Use polite phrasing instead.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Remember the pronunciation: déle (2nd tone), not děle. Say it quickly — it should feel like a snappy conversational closer.
Use 得了 among friends and family only. It is too casual and potentially rude for formal situations.
得了 at the end of a suggestion = "just do X": 吃面条得了 (Just have noodles then).
Compare with 算了 (suàn le, forget it): 算了 gives up on something, while 得了 redirects or dismisses.
Homework
Write three dialogues between friends where one person uses 得了 or 得了吧: (1) dismissing an unrealistic plan, (2) suggesting a simpler solution, and (3) cutting off someone who is talking too much.