Grammar Point:
Do you know the difference between 的 de, 得 de, and 地 de? They are three structural auxiliary words with different functions but the same pronunciation.
- 的 de is a noun modifier
- 得 de is a verb modifier
- 地 de is an adjective modifier
<的>
的 de is a noun modifier that can be used to indicate possession or link an adjective or verb phrase to a noun.
V / Adj. / N+ 的 + N
Tiffany的狗Tiffany的狗
Tiffany’s dog (N + 的 + N)
可愛的狗可爱的狗
Cute dog (Adj + 的 + N)
我畫的狗我画的狗
The dog I draw (V + 的 + N)
我畫的狗很可愛我画的狗很可爱
The dog I draw is cute.
你做的飯很好吃你做的饭很好吃
The food you made is delicious.
< 得 >
得 de is a verb modifier that can tell us how a verb is performed.
V + 得 + Adv. + Adj.
我吃得很慢我吃得很慢
I eat very slowly.
他說得很好他说得很好
He speaks very well.
日本人走得很快日本人走得很快
The Japanese are walking fast.
泰國人吃得很辣泰国人吃得很辣
Thai people eat very spicy.
To know more function of 得 de:
- Verb modifier 得 de (HSK 2)
<地>
This one is not as common as the previous two. 地 de is an adjective modifier that can turn an adjective into an adverb phrase to describe the following verb.
Adj. + 地 + V
你慢慢地吃你慢慢地吃
Eat slowly.
孩子很高興地回家孩子很高兴地回家
The Children go home happily.
媽媽生氣地說妈妈生气地说
Mother said angrily.
你們好好地玩你们好好地玩
Have a good time.
The words before 地 de must be two-syllable adjectives. If it is a one-syllable adjective, then you need to repeat the adjective twice. Also, do not add any adverb to modify the degree of the adjectives when you repeat the adjective twice.
他輕地放下他轻地放下 ❌
He gently put down.
(Don’t forget to repeat one-syllable adjectives)
小貓非常慢慢地吃飯小猫非常慢慢地吃饭 ❌
Kitten eats very slowly.
(No adverb to modify the degree of the adjectives when you repeat the adjectives.)
FYI
Have you noticed that a lot of young Chinese folks are using “的” instead of “地” in written Chinese? Well, it’s all because of social media and messaging apps! You know how it is – we’re all about speed and convenience when we’re chatting away, so grammar rules and spelling get thrown out the window. “的” is just way easier to pick than “地”, so it’s become the go-to choice for many of us. 🫠
Mix together!
我的狗吃得很快我的狗吃得很快
My dog eats quickly.
孩子高興地吃媽媽做的飯孩子高兴地吃妈妈做的饭
Children happily eat the meal their mother made.
你慢慢地寫,不然你的字寫得不好看你慢慢地写,不然你的字写得不好看
Write slowly, otherwise your handwriting will not look good.
的 得 地