动词 + 个 + 够
to do something to one’s heart’s content; as much as one likes
Structure
动词 个够
What it means
To do something to your heart’s content, as much as you like, until you have had all you want.
How it is built
Verb + 个够: 今天我请客，大家吃个够、喝个够！ (it’s on me today: eat and drink all you like!). 个 counts nothing; it links the verb to a short complement, as in 吃个饱, 玩个痛快, 问个明白.
When to use it
Spoken. Usually a wish, plan or invitation: 要／想／让你 + verb + 个够. For the past add 了: 玩了个够. With some verbs it sounds weary or angry: 让他骂个够 (let him rant all he likes).
Watch out
The object goes in front, not after: ✗吃个够饺子 ✓饺子吃个够 or 把饺子吃个够.
Examples
想睡个够，就在这儿过夜。
If you want a really good sleep, stay the night here.
难得放假，这次我要在海边玩个够。
Holidays are rare, so this time I am going to have my fill of the seaside.
今天我请客，大家吃个够、喝个够！
It’s on me today: eat and drink all you like!
Learn this in Lesson 133 · HSK 7–9: 北方的澡堂子 (The northern bathhouse)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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