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Linking a modifier to a noun with 的 (de)
Description & Modification
Existence & Possession
Structure
Modifier + 的 + Noun
Explanation
The particle 的 (de) connects a modifying phrase to a noun, functioning similarly to "of" or the possessive "'s" in English. It appears between the modifier—which can be an adjective, verb phrase, or clause—and the noun it describes. This structure is one of the most common and essential patterns in Chinese grammar.
Examples
这是我妈妈做的菜，特别好吃。
Zhè shì wǒ māma zuò de cài, tèbié hǎochī.
This dish was made by my mom; it's especially delicious.
你昨天买的那本书在桌子上。
Nǐ zuótiān mǎi de nà běn shū zài zhuōzi shàng.
The book you bought yesterday is on the table.
她是我们公司最努力的员工。
Tā shì wǒmen gōngsī zuì nǔlì de yuángōng.
She is the hardest-working employee in our company.