…的 + 名词...de + míngcí

Complex attributive clauses with 的 (relative clauses)

Meaning: The [noun] that/who... (verb phrase or clause modifying a noun)

Pattern

In HSK 1–2, you learned Noun + 的 + Noun (我的书) and Adjective + 的 + Noun (漂亮的衣服).
In HSK 3, 的 is used to turn an entire verb phrase or clause into a modifier (relative clause) before a noun:
Structure: [Modifier Clause / Verb Phrase] + 的 + Head Noun.
Examples: - 我买的书 (the book that I bought) - 昨天来的人 (the person who came yesterday) - 他穿的衣服 (the clothes that he is wearing).

1
这是我买的书。
Zhè shì wǒ mǎi de shū.
This is the book that I bought.
2
昨天来的人是我的同事。
Zuótiān lái de rén shì wǒ de tóngshì.
The person who came yesterday is my colleague.
3
他穿的衣服很漂亮。
Tā chuān de yīfu hěn piàoliang.
The clothes he is wearing are very nice.

•Relative clauses always come BEFORE the noun in Chinese, linked by 的.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Putting the relative clause after the noun: WRONG 那本书我买的 → RIGHT 我买的那本书.

•Forgetting 的 between a verb phrase/clause modifier and the noun.

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 3 to master all skills together.