长 (zhǎng) vs 长得 (zhǎngde) in Chinese grammar
Sign up for a free account to learn Chinese faster
Non-native speakers of Chinese can often get the words 长 (zhǎng) vs 长得 (zhǎngde) mixed up. Both these words are about “growing”, but they have different functions. Let’s look at them one by one.
长 (zhǎng): to grow, to develop
The word 长 itself means “to grow” (note that this is pronounced zhǎng, and not cháng). It can mean “to grow” as in to grow larger or to develop physically, or to grow a particular feature. Let’s have a look at some example sentences:
Notice how 长 is about growing or developing features. 长 also combines into varius words related to growth, such as 增长 (zēngzhǎng).
长得 (zhǎngde): present state of growth, to look…
长得 is used to talk about the present state of growth or something, and by extension, how something or someone looks. Adding 得 to 长 is like saying “the result of growth is”: it’s how something appears now. Some example sentences:
Notice how 长得 is about the result of growth or an appearance or state that has developed.
Practise 练习
1 grammar exercise and 5 writing drills.
Start without an account.
Start exercise 1 See all exercises
Free: 5 new Exercises a day. Pro: no daily limit. About Pro
Vocabulary list 词单
- Vocabulary list: 长 (zhǎng) vs 长得 (zhǎngde) in Chinese grammar 语法：长、得 23 words and 8 example sentences
Exercises 练习
- Exercises: 长 (zhǎng) vs 长得 (zhǎngde) 语法：长、得 练习 5 drills over 28 characters, and 1 grammar exercise over 20 items
Sign up for a free Chinese Boost account
Save the words and sentences you find here to your own list, and hear them read aloud. You can export the list to your flashcards whenever you like.