Adjectives Modifying Nouns

Learn how adjectives (stative verbs) describe nouns in Chinese, and understand when to use or omit the particle 的

1 Basic Pattern: Adjective + 的 + Noun

In Chinese, adjectives (also called stative verbs) can stand before nouns to describe their features, shapes, quality, etc. The particle 的 (de) is often used to connect the adjective and the noun it modifies.

S + V + Adj + + N

Adjective Modification Structure

Subject
健身教练
jiànshēn jiàoliàn
fitness coach
Verb
yǒu
have
Adjective
强壮
qiángzhuàng
strong
Connector
de
Noun
身体
shēntǐ
body

Complete Sentence: 健身教练有强壮的身体。
(Fitness coaches have strong bodies.)

Examples: Adjective + 的 + Noun

Structure Chinese English Translation Audio
S + V + Adj + 的 + N
健身教练强壮身体
jiànshēn jiàoliàn yǒu qiángzhuàng de shēntǐ.
Fitness coaches have strong bodies.
S + V + Adj + 的 + N
超市便宜袜子
chāoshì yǒu piányi de wàzi.
There are cheap socks in the supermarket.
S + V + Adj + 的 + N
期待幸福生活
qīdài xìngfú de shēnghuó.
I expect to have a happy life.

The Function of 的

的 (de) connects the adjective to the noun it modifies:

Adj + 的 + N
Adjective + 的 + Noun
便宜的 + 袜子
cheap + socks
便宜的袜子
cheap socks

的 marks the adjective as a modifier.

Types of Descriptions

Adjectives can describe various aspects of nouns:

  • Quality: 好的书 (good book)
  • Appearance: 红色的车 (red car)
  • Size: 大的房子 (big house)
  • Age: 新的手机 (new phone)
红色的苹果很好吃。
The red apples are delicious.

2 When 的 Can Be Omitted

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3 Comparison: With vs. Without 的

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4 Practice Exercises

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Adjectives Modifying Nouns
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