值得 · 值
worth doing; 值 + an amount: worth that much
Structure
值得 + 动词 · （不）值得 · 值 + 钱数
What it means
值得 + verb says something is worth doing; 值 + an amount says it is worth that much money.
How it is built
值得 + verb: 这本书很值得一看 (This book is well worth reading). On its own: 很值得, 不值得. 值 + amount: 这块表值两万块 (This watch is worth 20,000).
When to use it
Use 值得 to judge whether time, money or effort is well spent: 为这么小的事生气，不值得. Use 值 for a price or value.
Watch out
Don’t mix them up: ✗ 值得两万块 ✓ 值两万块; ✗ 这个地方值去 ✓ 这个地方值得去.
Examples
这本书很值得一看。
This book is well worth reading.
有的钱值得花，比如带父母去旅游。
Some money is worth spending, like taking your parents on holiday.
为这么小的事生气，不值得。
It’s not worth getting angry over something so small.
这块手表值两万块。
This watch is worth 20,000 yuan.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 27: 存钱 (Saving money)
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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