Formal Evaluative Constructions (足以、堪、值得)

These three words are all about potential and quality. They do not just describe what happened. They describe what *could* happen or what *should* happen. 足以 focuses on having enough power or quantity. It is like saying, "This is enough to make X happen." On the other hand, 堪 is more about being fit for something. It is very formal and often found in fixed phrases. It says, "This person or thing is worthy of this title." Finally, 值得 focuses on value. It asks if the result is worth the effort or price. All three function as verbs or adverbs that modify a following action. They set the stage for the rest of the sentence. They tell your listener how to value the information coming next. It is like giving your listener a pair of evaluative glasses.

1. 1Using these patterns is actually quite logical once you see the structure.
2. 2For 足以: [Subject] + 足以 + [Verb/Verb Phrase].
3. 3Example: 这些证据足以证明他的清白。 (This evidence is enough to prove his innocence.)
4. 4For 堪: [Subject] + 堪 + [Mono-syllabic Verb/Noun].
5. 5Example: 这位歌手的嗓音堪称完美。 (This singer's voice can be called perfect.)
6. 6For 值得: [Subject] + 值得 + [Verb/Noun].
7. 7Example: 这个问题值得商榷。 (This issue is worth discussing.)
8. 8Note that 堪 is the most restrictive. It usually pairs with specific words like 称 (call), 当 (undertake), or 忧 (worry). 足以 is more flexible and can lead into long descriptions. 值得 is the most common and can take nouns directly. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. 值得 is green (go anywhere), 足以 is yellow (proceed with care), and 堪 is red (stop and use specific routes).

Use these when you want to impress or be very clear. Imagine you are in a job interview. You would not just say you are "good." You would say your experience is 足以胜任 (sufficient to handle) the role. Or maybe you are writing a book review. You would describe a masterpiece as something that 堪称经典 (can be called a classic). In academic writing, you use 值得注意 (worthy of attention) to point out key data. These words signal to your audience that you are making a serious judgment. They are perfect for formal speeches, news reporting, and professional critiques. If you want to sound like a native speaker who has read a few books, these are essential. They provide a layer of nuance that simple words like 够 or 好 just cannot reach. Even native speakers use these to sound more objective and less emotional. It adds a layer of professional distance that is very respected in Chinese culture.

Do not use these in your pajamas. By that, I mean do not use them in very casual settings. If you are ordering bubble tea, do not say the sugar is 足以 make you happy. That is just weird. Your friends might think you are reading from a textbook. Avoid using 堪 in daily chores or simple activities. You would not say your breakfast is 堪称美味 unless you are being ironic. Also, be careful with 足以 if the cause and effect are not strong. It requires a logical link between the subject and the potential result. If you use these words for trivial matters, you sound like a movie character who is taking life way too seriously. It is like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ. You will stand out, but not in the way you intended. Keep these for the moments that actually matter. Use simpler words like 够 or 值得 (in its simpler form) for daily chats.

One big mistake is overusing the passive voice with 值得. You might want to say "worth being seen." You might say 值得被看. But in Chinese, 值得 already implies the passive if the subject is the object of the action. Just say 值得一看. Adding 被 is like wearing two hats at once. Another mistake is mixing up 足以 and 够. 足以 is usually followed by a verb, while 够 is often followed by an adjective. You would not say 这桌子足以大. You would say 这桌子够大. Also, people often forget that 堪 is very picky about its partners. You cannot just put any verb after 堪. It usually needs to be part of a fixed expression like 不堪一击 (cannot withstand a single blow). If you try to invent new 堪 combinations, you might end up with something nonsensical. It is like trying to force a puzzle piece where it does not fit. Stick to the classic pairings until you are a master.

Let's compare these to their "low-budget" cousins. Instead of 足以, you could use 够 or 可以. But 足以 sounds much more certain and formal. Instead of 堪称, you could say 可以称作. But 堪称 feels like a definitive, expert judgment. Instead of 值得, you could say 有价值. But 值得 is much more direct and versatile. There is also a difference in focus. 足以 focuses on the *quantity* of power or evidence. 值得 focuses on the *benefit* of the action. 堪 focuses on the *status* of the subject. If you have enough money to buy a car, use 足以. If the car is actually worth the high price, use 值得. If the car is so good it can be called the king of cars, use 堪称. Choosing the right one shows you understand the soul of the language. It is the difference between a sketch and an oil painting.