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的话 (de huà) — (particle) used after a conditional clause to mean 'if'

Definition

A sentence-final particle that turns the first clause into a conditional: 'if [clause], then…'. It can drop the 如果/要是 that would normally start the if-clause.

particle
used after a conditional clause to mean 'if'

Examples

  • 的话，。
    Nǐ yǒu shí jiān de huà, wǒ men qù kàn diàn yǐng ba.
    If you have time, let's go watch a movie.
  • 的话，。
    Xià yǔ de huà, jiù bú yào chū qù le.
    If it rains, then don't go out.
  • 的话，。
    Nǐ xǐ huan de huà, wǒ men kě yǐ yì qǐ chī fàn.
    If you like, we can eat together.

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
白白báiwhite
Sound part声符shēngfú
勺
勺sháo的de
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

的 pairs 白, related to white or brightness, with 勺, which gives a clue to the sound. Its older form 旳 meant bright.

Open 的 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 話; 话 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
言言yánword
Sound part声符shēngfú
𠯑
𠯑𠯑話huà
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

In the traditional form 話, 言 relates to words and 𠯑 gives the sound; the simplified 话 is a shorthand, so its right side is not that sound part.

Open 话 →

Grammar

Appears in
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