的
structural particle; modal particle
Meanings
6 senses · 29 examplesparticle
marker for attributive modifier
neutralCovers four common attributive modifier relationships: general modification, possession, title/identity, and patient of action.
This is strict discipline.
This is a life full of happiness.
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She is my mother.
He is the representative of the working class.
Who is the referee of this game?
particle
forms nominal de-structure
neutralCan substitute for previously mentioned nouns, refer to a category of people/things, indicate reason, or emphasize irrelevance.
This pen is mine, that magazine is yours.
There are men and women working together here.
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It's the middle of Sunday, why don't you go out and play?
Stop minding his business, just go back to sleep.
particle
emphasizes agent, time, place, method of action
neutralOnly used for past actions, often paired with the adverb 是 (shì) before the verb phrase.
Who bought this book?
He entered the city by high-speed rail yesterday.
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I bought the ticket at the airport.
Dad wrote the letter with a fountain pen.
Mom made these dishes using traditional methods.
particle
affirmative modal particle at end of declarative sentence
neutralUsed to strengthen the certainty of the statement.
I definitely know about this matter.
He promised to come today, he should be arriving soon.
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This project was completed jointly by our team.
That's exactly what he said.
I will arrive on time tomorrow.
particle
indicates "etc., and so on" after similar words
neutralUsed to list examples or general categories.
He picked up a whole basket of scrap metal and old junk.
The villagers brought us tea and water, treating us very warmly.
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There are stationery like books, pens and paper on the desk.
He likes healthy food like fruit salad.
The kids were skipping rope and kicking shuttlecocks, having a great time.
particle
between two numeral phrases
informalCan indicate multiplication or addition in informal spoken Chinese.
This room is five meters by three meters, which is fifteen square meters.
Two plus three, that's five apples total.
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This clothes is priced at 100 plus 200, total 300 yuan.
Three plus four, that's seven kids coming to the party.
Two meters times one meter, that's a three-meter long rope.