State Complement with 个: V + 个 + Complement
状态补语3："个"引导的补语
Use 个 after a verb to introduce a state complement expressing continuous or thorough action
When 个 appears between a verb and a descriptive complement, it creates a vivid expression of continuous, thorough, or uninhibited action. Common combinations include V + 个不停 (non-stop), V + 个没完 (endlessly), V + 个够 (to one's heart's content), V + 个痛快 (to one's satisfaction).
This 个 is a structural particle, not a measure word. It links the verb to a state description, creating an expressive and colloquial construction.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: State Complement with 个: V + 个 + Complement (状态补语3："个"引导的补语)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 状态补语3："个"引导的补语 pattern
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Understanding 状态补语3："个"引导的补语
The construction V + 个 + complement is a vivid, colloquial way to describe how an action is performed — typically emphasizing that it continues without stopping, goes on endlessly, or is done thoroughly. 哭个不停 means "crying non-stop." 说个没完 means "talking endlessly." 玩个够 means "play to one's heart's content." The 个 here is not a measure word — it is a structural particle that creates a lively, spoken-Chinese feel. This pattern is extremely common in daily conversation and adds color and vividness to your speech. The complement after 个 describes the state or result of the action: 不停 (non-stop), 没完 (without end), 够 (enough/sufficiently), 痛快 (to one's satisfaction), 干净 (thoroughly clean), etc.
Key Points
- V + 个不停 = "V non-stop" — the action continues without stopping.
- V + 个没完 = "V endlessly" — the action goes on and on, often annoyingly.
- V + 个够 = "V to one's heart's content" — do it until satisfied.
- V + 个痛快 = "V to one's satisfaction" — do it thoroughly and enjoyably.
- 个 here is a structural particle, not a measure word.
- Very colloquial — adds vividness and emotional color to speech.
This pattern is a hallmark of natural spoken Chinese. Using it correctly signals that you have moved beyond textbook Chinese into authentic, living language.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
那个小女孩儿哭个不停，说是找不到妈妈了。
The little girl was crying non-stop, saying she couldn't find her mom.
他在我们面前说个没完。
He talked endlessly in front of us.
好不容易放假了，我要玩个够。
It wasn't easy getting a holiday; I'm going to play to my heart's content.
今天是你的生日，我们喝个痛快吧！
Today is your birthday — let's drink to our hearts' content!
电话响个不停，他根本没法安静工作。
The phone kept ringing non-stop; he simply couldn't work in peace.
孩子们在院子里跑个不停。
The children ran around the yard non-stop.
他吃个没完，一盘接一盘。
He ate endlessly, plate after plate.
Common Mistakes
The verb must come before 个 + complement. The order is V + 个 + complement, not 个 + complement + V.
Do not add 了 before 个 in this pattern. The construction is V + 个 + complement directly. Adding 了 disrupts the structure.
If the verb has an object, the object goes after the first verb, then the verb is repeated before 个: V + O + V + 个 + complement.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
V + 个不停 is the most common — use it whenever something continues without stopping.
V + 个没完 often carries a slightly negative tone — the action is annoyingly persistent.
V + 个够 and V + 个痛快 are positive — doing something fully and satisfyingly.
This pattern is highly colloquial — use it in conversation, not in formal essays.
Homework
Describe a lively scene (e.g., a party, a market, a playground) using at least four different V + 个 + complement constructions.