Definition
的 (de) is the everyday possessive/attribute particle — you use it in speech and writing to show possession (我的书) or modify a noun (漂亮的花). 之 (zhī) means the same but is only used in formal, literary, or set-phrase contexts (e.g., 之一). For HSK 1, just master 的; you'll learn 之 later.
particle
(possessive/attribute particle) used after a modifier to indicate possession or attribute(nominalizer) used after an adjective or verb to form a noun phrase(sentence-final particle) used at the end of a declarative sentence to add emphasis or affirmation
Easily confused
- 约yuēlook-alike(verb) to make an appointment; to arrange to meet
- 得désound-alike(particle) used between a verb and a complement to indicate possibility or degree
- 豹bàolook-alikeleopard, panther
- 得désound-aliketo obtain, to get
Examples
- 的。Zhè shì wǒ de shū.This is my book.
- 的。Wǒ xǐhuān xiǎo de.I like the small one.
- 的。Tā huì lái de.He will come.
Grammar
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