Attributive Clauses with 的 (de): Learn how to form relative clauses in Chinese using the 的 (de) particle. Unlike English, Chinese places attributive clauses BEFORE the noun they modify.
1 Basic Structure Comparison
English Structure
Attributive clause comes AFTER the noun
Noun + Relative Clause
The person who likes singing
The boy who rides the bicycle
Chinese Structure
Attributive clause comes BEFORE the noun
Relative Clause + 的 + Noun
喜欢唱歌的人
who likes singing + ‘s + person
Visual Structure Representation
Complete Phrase: 喜欢唱歌的人
(person who likes singing / people who like singing)
Key Grammar Point
The particle 的 (de) functions similarly to the English relative pronouns “who”, “which”, or “that”, but it always comes AFTER the modifying clause and BEFORE the noun being modified. Think of it as a connector that links the description to the noun.
2 Verb + Object + 的 + Noun Pattern
This pattern is used when the modifying clause consists of a verb with its object. The structure describes a noun that performs or is associated with that action.
Examples: Verb + Object Pattern
Verb Part
The action in the modifying clause:
Function: Describes the action
Object Part
The receiver of the action:
Function: Completes the action
Main Noun
The person/thing being described:
Function: The subject of description
3 Subject + Verb + 的 + Noun Pattern
Unlock this content and all our premium features with a membership. Get access to graded HSK video lessons, grammar breakdowns, vocab lists, online tests, and more!
Already a member? Sign in.
4 Verb + Complement + 的 + Noun Pattern
Unlock this content and all our premium features with a membership. Get access to graded HSK video lessons, grammar breakdowns, vocab lists, online tests, and more!
Already a member? Sign in.
Practice Exercises
Unlock this content and all our premium features with a membership. Get access to graded HSK video lessons, grammar breakdowns, vocab lists, online tests, and more!
Already a member? Sign in.