Grammar Lesson: 的, 地 and 得

Today we’re going to explain the three “de” particles of Chinese.

These particles are some of the hardest components of Chinese grammar. Even native speakers often mix them up.

There are three de particles. They are all pronounced “de” with the neutral tone when used as a particle, which is why people can easily confuse them with one another. Similar to how “their, they’re, and there” are some of the most common typos in the English language, “的,” “得,” and “地” are also some of the most common grammar mistakes in Chinese.

 

(de) for modifying nouns:

Used as a noun modifier, “的 (de)” is most commonly used to indicate possession. It is also used in noun attribution, where it is placed between an adjective and a noun.

Noun/Adjective + + Noun

Examples:

我的房子。(wǒ de fángzi) = My house

红色的自行车。(hóngsè de zìxíngchē) = The red bike

 

(de) for modifying verbs:

This “de” is usually placed after verbs in order to signify the outcome of that verb or to modify it.

Verb + + Adjective

他唱很好。 (tā chàng dé hěn hǎo) = He sang very well.

他跑得很快。(tā pǎo de hěn kuài) = He runs very fast.

 

(de) for modifying adjectives (into adverbs)

This “de” particle is usually placed after adjectives in order to transform them into adverbs. It is most like the suffix “–ly” in English.

Adjective + + Verb

他快快地跑过来。 (tā kuài kuài dì pǎo guò lái) = He quickly ran over.

她认真地看书。(tā rènzhēn de kànshū) = She reads the book seriously.


Post time: Feb-11-2020