值得

• Pinyin: zhí dé
• Hanzi breakdown: 值 = 亻(person) + 直 (straight); 得 = 彳(step) + 旦 (dawn) + 寸 (inch)

Meaning

Be worth doing; deserve. Indicates that something merits the time, effort, or attention.

Used to evaluate whether an action or experience is worthwhile. Often followed by a verb phrase (值得看, worth watching; 值得学习, worth learning). Can also mean 'deserve' in the sense of meriting respect or attention. Very common in recommendations and evaluations.

Examples

1. 这部电影值得一看。 This movie is worth watching.
2. 这个问题值得我们认真思考。 This problem is worth our serious consideration.
3. 他的努力值得大家学习。 His effort deserves everyone's emulation.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, recommendation, evaluation

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 这个地方值得去旅游。(This place is worth visiting.)
• 这本书值得读。(This book is worth reading.)

Don't Say

• 这个菜值得好吃。(Don't combine 值得 with adjectives directly — say 这个菜很好吃 or 这个菜值得尝一尝 instead)

Origin & History

值 (worth, value) + 得 (able to, obtain). Together they form 'to be worth obtaining,' hence 'worthwhile.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal