HSK 2
O 是 S V 的
O shì S V de
it's S who V'ed O
Structure
Object + 是 + Subject + Verb + 的
How it works
This structure is used to emphasize a specific detail of a past event, such as the person who performed the action, the time, or the method. It highlights the 'agent' or performer of the action when the object is already known to the listener.
Examples
这个苹果是医生给的。
Zhège píngguǒ shì yīshēng gěi de.
This apple was given by the doctor.
那件衣服是妈妈买的。
Nà jiàn yīfu shì māma mǎi de.
That piece of clothing was bought by mom.
这杯咖啡是他送的。
Zhè bēi kāfēi shì tā sòng de.
This cup of coffee was sent/given by him.
Common mistakes
Forgetting the '的' at the end of the sentence, which is essential to complete the emphasis structure.
Tip
In spoken Chinese, the '是' (shì) is often omitted in positive sentences, but it must be kept in negative sentences (不是...的).
More HSK 2 grammar
See O 是 S V 的 in real Chinese
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