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HSK 2.0 Level 5+ HSK 3.0 Level 6+ 6 min read

算了 and 得了 for “Forget It” and “That’s Enough”

Use 算了 to drop a plan or let something go, and 得了 to say “that’s enough,” “that’ll do” or “come off it.”

Pattern

算了(，……); ……就算了; 得了(，……); ……就得了; 得了吧

算了 gives something up or lets it go; 得了 stops something or says a simple step is enough.

这件衣服太贵了，算了，不买了。

When to use 算了 and 得了 for “Forget It” and “That’s Enough”

算了 means “forget it” or “never mind.” Say it alone at the start of a sentence when you give up a plan, or put it after 就 to say you will let something pass: 你不想去就算了 “if you don’t want to go, never mind.”

算了，别等了，我们先走吧。

Never mind, let’s not wait. We’ll go first.

你不想去就算了，我自己去。

If you don’t want to go, never mind. I’ll go by myself.

这次就算了，下次别再迟到了。

I’ll let it go this time, but don’t be late again.

得了，别说了，我知道错了。

OK, that’s enough. I know I was wrong.

Common traps

  • 算了 drops a plan or forgives; it doesn’t mean “calculated” here.
  • In 得了, 得 is read dé, not děi or de.
  • Don’t confuse 得了 with 不得了, which means “extremely” or “terrible.”

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

，别等了，我们先走吧

Never mind, let’s not wait. We’ll go first
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

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