- 01 Apr, 2025
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HSK 5 Grammar: Using A 得什么似的 (A dé shénme shìde) to Express “So A to an Extreme”
If you’re working through HSK 5 grammar, one colourful and expressive structure to master is A 得什么似的 (A dé shénme shìde). This pattern helps you describe emotions or states to an extreme degree, adding flair and natural fluency to your Mandarin.
Let’s explore what it means, how it works, and how to use it like a native speaker.
What Does A 得什么似的 Mean?
The structure A 得什么似的 is used to express a high or extreme degree of something — usually an emotion or physical state.
- A is often an adjective like 累 (lèi – tired), 高兴 (gāoxìng – happy), 热 (rè – hot), 饿 (è – hungry), etc.
- 得什么似的 translates loosely to “so A” or “extremely A”, with a vivid, almost exaggerated tone.
Structure:
Adjective + 得什么似的
Translation: So [Adjective], to an extreme
This expression is informal and emphatic, often used in spoken language to exaggerate for effect.
Examples and Explanation
- 他背着重重的电脑包挤地铁，下班回到家累得什么似的。
Pinyin: tā bēi zhe zhuózhòng zhòng de diànnǎo bāo jǐ dìtiě, xiàbān huídào jiā lèi dé shénme shìde.
Translation: He squeezed into the crowded subway with his heavy laptop bag, and he was so tired when he got home from work.
Explanation: 累得什么似的 emphasizes that he was extremely tired — it’s a vivid image of post-work exhaustion. - 小孩子看到冰淇淋高兴得什么似的。
Pinyin: xiǎo háizi kàndào bīngqílín gāoxìng dé shénme shìde.
Translation: The child was so happy when they saw the ice cream.
Explanation: 高兴得什么似的 paints a picture of a child’s pure joy. - 今天太热了，我出门五分钟就热得什么似的。
Pinyin: jīntiān tài rè le, wǒ chūmén wǔ fēnzhōng jiù rè dé shénme shìde.
Translation: It was so hot today — I was sweating like crazy just five minutes after going outside.
Explanation: 热得什么似的 expresses the intensity of the heat. - 考试前他急得什么似的。
Pinyin: kǎoshì qián tā jí dé shénme shìde.
Translation: He was super anxious before the exam.
Explanation: 急得什么似的 conveys a high level of nervousness.
When to Use A 得什么似的
To describe extreme physical states or emotions
In informal conversations and storytelling
To add dramatic flair or exaggeration
Avoid in very formal writing or academic contexts
Practice This Grammar!
Try translating this sentence:
“She laughed so hard that tears came out.”
Answer: 她笑得什么似的，眼泪都出来了。
Pinyin: tā xiào dé shénme shìde, yǎnlèi dōu chūlái le.
Why Master A 得什么似的 for HSK 5?
Learning how to express extreme emotions and sensations naturally helps you sound more fluent and expressive in Mandarin. Native speakers use this phrase all the time in casual chats, making it a must-know for your HSK 4 preparation.
Conclusion
The pattern A 得什么似的 adds emotion, humor, and authenticity to your Chinese. Use it to describe intense feelings and experiences — just like native speakers do. Keep practicing, and your spoken Chinese will come alive with expression!