得以

• Pinyin: dé yǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 得 (obtain, can) + 以 (by means of)

Meaning

To be able to; enabling something to happen. Indicates that conditions allow something to be accomplished.

A formal written expression indicating that circumstances or conditions have made something possible. Often used in news, official documents, and formal writing rather than casual speech.

Examples

1. 多亏了大家的帮助，这个项目得以顺利完成。 Thanks to everyone's help, this project was able to be completed smoothly.
2. 经过长期努力，珍稀动物的数量得以恢复。 After long-term efforts, the population of rare animals has been able to recover.
3. 在政府的支持下，传统文化得以传承和发展。 With government support, traditional culture has been able to be passed on and developed.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, news, official

Tone: literary

Do Say

• 问题得以解决。(The problem was able to be solved.)
• 传统得以保留。(Traditions were able to be preserved.)

Don't Say

• '得以'是书面语——口语中说'能够'或'可以'更自然 (得以 is written language — in speech, 能够 or 可以 is more natural)

Origin & History

Classical compound from 得 (to obtain, can) + 以 (by means of, thereby), meaning able to do something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal