HSK 2
S V 的 N
S V de N
the N which S V'ed
Structure
Subject + Verb + 的 + Noun
How it works
This structure is used to create a relative clause in Chinese, where 'S + V + 的' acts as an adjective to describe the noun (N). Unlike English, where the description comes after the noun (the food [that] mom made), in Chinese, the entire description must precede the particle '的' and the noun it modifies.
Examples
这是我买的衣服。
Zhè shì wǒ mǎi de yīfu.
This is the clothes that I bought.
你认识那个说话的人吗？
Nǐ rènshi nàge shuōhuà de rén ma?
Do you know that person who is speaking?
我看过的书在桌子上。
Wǒ kànguo de shū zài zhuōzi shàng.
The book I have read is on the table.
Common mistakes
English speakers often put the noun before '的' (e.g., saying '书我买的' instead of '我买的书'), following English word order.
Tip
Think of 'S + V + 的' as one big adjective. Just as you say '红色的书' (red book), you say '我买的书' (the 'I-bought' book).
More HSK 2 grammar
See S V 的 N in real Chinese
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