的 / 得 / 地 (the three “de”)
Three "de", three jobs
- (of / 's)的, (degree marker)得, (adverb -ly)地 all sound like de — but do different jobs.
- (of / 's)的 = "'s / of" before a noun · (degree marker)得 = after a verb, "how well" · (adverb -ly)地 = before a verb, "in what manner".
- Same sound, three slots.
(of / 's)的 + Noun (description)
- (of / 's)的 links a describer to a noun: I / me我(of / 's)的book书, red (color)红色(of / 's)的war chariot (archaic)车.
my我('s)的book书。
- I / me我(of / 's)的book书 = "my book."
Practice
“my book”: 我 ____ 书。
的 + Noun = description / possession: 我的书.
Verb + (degree marker)得 (how well) · (adverb -ly)地 + Verb (manner)
- 跑得快 = "runs fast" ((degree marker)得 + degree); slowly慢慢(adverb -ly)地to walk走 = "walk slowly" ((adverb -ly)地 + verb).
he他run跑(degree)得very很fast快。
- to run跑(degree marker)得很快 = "runs very fast."
Explore
Sort the sentences
的 glues to nouns, 得 hangs off verbs to grade them, 地 turns adjectives into how-words.
Practice
Which “de” goes after a verb to say how well? 跑 __ 快
Verb + 得 + degree: 跑得快 (runs fast).
Practice
Match each “de” to its job.
的 noun · 得 verb-degree · 地 verb-manner.
Practice
Build: “He runs very fast.”
Verb + 得 + degree: 他 + 跑得 + 很快.
Recap
Key idea
- (of / 's)的 + Noun — "'s / of": I / me我(of / 's)的book书
- Verb + (degree marker)得 — how well / result: 跑得快
- (adverb -ly)地 + Verb — manner: slowly慢慢(adverb -ly)地to walk走
Read the full reference: HSK 3 grammar — Particles.