--- title: "How To Use: 的, 地, And 得 In Chinese" description: "The \"De\" particles in Chinese are some of the hardest characters in Chinese grammar to grasp. Not only are they homophones, but they are also all modifiers!" image: https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/hubfs/GettyImages-1404165827.jpg --- [![chinese new logo-1](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/hubfs/chinese%20new%20logo-1.jpg)](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-culture?hsLang=en) - Culture and Lifestyle - [Chinese Culture](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-culture?hsLang=en) - [Chinese Fun Facts](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-fun-facts?hsLang=en) - Chinese Proficiency Exams - [HSK](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/hsk-exam?hsLang=en) - TOCFL - [AP Chinese](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/ap-chinese-exam-preparation?hsLang=en) - Chinese Learning - [Learning Tips](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-learning-tips) - [Chinese for Kids](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-for-kids?hsLang=en) - [Chinese for Business](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-for-business?hsLang=en) # How To Use: 的, 地, And 得 In Chinese The "De" particles in Chinese are some of the hardest characters in Chinese grammar to grasp. Not only are they homophones, but they are also all modifiers! [Sara Lynn Hua](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-learning-tips/author/sara-lynn-hua) Oct 19, 2015 --- #### FREE VIRTUAL EVENT:  #### Holiday Edition - Christmas ##### Christmas is around the corner! Join us live on this holiday edition! Learn Chinese in a fun & interactive way!  [RESERVE YOUR SPOT](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-conversational-chinese-holiday-edition-christmas-tickets-769380787647?aff=oddtdtcreator) # How To Use: 的, 地, And 得 In Chinese A while ago, we gave you a post explaining the three “ta"s (him, her, it) of Chinese. Today, we’re going to explain another holy trinity in Chinese grammar: the three “de” particles of [Chinese language](https://www.tutorabc.com/count.asp?code=4lzqp3xSyD). These particles are some of the hardest components of Chinese grammar. Even native speakers often mix them up. The use of the particle “de” is to modify another noun, verb, or adjective. For example, if Chinese people want to say “quietly,” they would say “安静地 (Ān jìng de).” Or, if they would want to say “Sara’s house,” they would say “莎拉de房子.” There are three de particles. They are all pronounced “de” with the neutral tone when used as a particle, which is why people can easily confuse them with one another. Similar to how “their, they’re, and there” are some of the most common typos in the English, “的," "得," and "地” are also some of the most common grammar mistakes in [Chinese language](https://www.tutorabc.com/count.asp?code=4lzqp3xSyD). • 的 (de) for modifying nouns • 得 (de), for modifying verbs • 地 (de), for modifying adjectives (into adverbs) ### 1. 的, NOUN MODIFIER Used as a noun modifier, “的 (de)” is most commonly used to indicate possession, such as the “’s” in English. As previously mentioned, “**Sara’s** house” would be "莎拉的房子 (Shā lā de fáng zi).” “的 (de)” is also used in noun attribution, where it is placed between an adjective and a noun. For example: "红色**的**自行车 (Hóng sè de zì xíng chē)." The red bike. Here are some basic structure formulas for you that cover most uses of the particle: ###### POSSESSIVE “的” Noun + 的 + Noun ###### ATTRIBUTIVE “的” Adjective + 的 + Noun ### 2. 得, VERB MODIFIER This “de” is usually placed after verbs in order to signify the outcome of that verb or to modify it. It is particularly tricky for English speakers because there’s no equivalent in English. An example of how 得 (de) can be used is: 他唱**得**很好 (Tā chàng dé hěn hǎo). He sang very well. Note how the 得 (de) particle came after the verb 唱 (Chàng), or “sing.” It is also used as a potential complement, giving someone the ability to do something. For example: 你看得见吗 (Nǐ kàn dé jiàn ma)？ Can you see? 我不戴眼镜就看不见 (Wǒ bù dài yǎn jìng jiù kàn bù jiàn). I can’t see without my glasses. Notice that when the sentence changes to “I can’t…” the 得 (de) particle is replaced by the negative word “不 (bù).” This is especially difficult to grasp. Another way the 得 (de) particle is used is in comparison. For example: 洛杉矶比旧金山热得多 (Luò shān jī bǐ jiù jīn shān rè dé duō). Los Angeles is a lot hotter than San Francisco. When it’s not used as a particle 得 (de) is also used on it’s own as part of “得到 (dé dào)” or “to gain.” Here, it takes on the second tone, "dé." It can also be pronounced as “děi” with the third tone, where it then means “must.” Here are some basic structure formulas for you: ###### VERB MODIFIER 得 Verb + 得 + Adjective ###### COMPARATIVE 得 Adjective + 得 + Comparison word (ie more, less) ### 3. 地, THE ADJECTIVE MODIFIER This “de” particle is usually placed after adjectives in order to transform them into adverbs. It is most like the suffix “–ly” in English. It’s fairly straightforward. An example is: 他快快地跑过来 (Tā kuài kuài dì pǎo guò lái). He **quickly** ran over. Additional Tip: When adjectives are transformed into adverbs with “de” in Chinese, they are often repeated twice. 快 (Kuài) is “quick”, but when it’s attached to 地 it becomes “快快地 (Kuài kuài dì)” or literally, “Quick quick-ly.” Many adjectives do this in [Chinese language](https://www.tutorabc.com/count.asp?code=4lzqp3xSyD) for emphasis purposes. When 地 (de) is not used as a particle, it is read “dì” and used to mean “ground” or “earth.” For example, 土地 (tǔ dì) is “dirt.” Here’s a quick formula: ###### ADVERBIAL 地 Adjective + 地 + Verb We hope those particles were helpful! Let us know if you have any other questions! At [TutorABC Chinese](https://www.tutorabc.com/count.asp?code=4lzqp3xSyD), we're dedicated to making your Chinese learning journey truly exceptional. Our patented AI-matching technology pairs you with certified teachers and materials that suit your learning needs and goals. We believe in merging the richness of Chinese culture with language learning, ensuring every lesson is an exploration of both language and cultural insights. With intuitive materials and engaging activities, learning Chinese becomes an enjoyable adventure. Join us and embark on a transformative experience where culture and language come together in the most exciting and effective way. Your journey to fluency begins here. Sign up for a [FREE DEMO](https://www.tutorabc.com/activity/en-us/FreeTrial?fromwhere=qxv7phad4r) today! ### **Sign up for a [FREE DEMO](https://www.tutorabc.com/activity/en-us/FreeTrial?fromwhere=qxv7phad4r) today and start your journey to fluency!** ## Similar posts ### [How To Use: 坐 vs. 座 In Chinese](https://blog.tutorabcchinese.com/chinese-learning-tips/how-to-use-zuo-in-chinese-grammar-2?hsLang=en) Learn the differences between the two "zuo" characters in Chinese! "坐" and "座" are frequently mixed up, but with our Chinese grammar tips, you'll... 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