Structural particle 的 (de)

Pattern

• Noun 1 + 的 + Noun 2
• Adjective + 的 + Noun

Usage

• 的 (de) is the most frequent structural particle in Chinese.
• At HSK 1, its core function is to express possession between two nouns/pronouns, ordered as: Possessor (A) + 的 + Possessed (B) = “A”s B'.
• Examples: 我的书 (my book), 老师的笔 (the teacher's pen).
• Important omission rule: with close family members, close friends, or institutions one belongs to, 的 is often OMITTED: 我妈妈 (my mom), 你爸爸 (your dad)

Examples

1. 1

   这是我的书。

   Zhè shì wǒ de shū.

   This is my book.

2. 2

   她是我妈妈。

   Tā shì wǒ māma.

   She is my mom.

3. 3

   老师的电话号码是多少?

   Lǎoshī de diànhuà hàomǎ shì duōshao?

   What is the teacher's phone number?

4. 4

   这个手机是他的。