的 · 地 · 得
three ways to write de: before a noun, before a verb, after a verb
Structure
…… + 的 + 名词 · …… + 地 + 动词 · 动词 + 得 + 补语
What it means
All three are read de, but each has its own job: 的 before a noun, 地 before a verb, 得 after a verb.
How it is built
Describer + 的 + noun: 我的笔记本. Describer + 地 + verb: 他认真地写作业 (He does his homework carefully). Verb + 得 + how well: 你的汉字写得真好！
When to use it
Quick test: a noun follows → 的; a verb follows → 地; straight after a verb, saying how well → 得. You met them in h1-3, h1-14 and h2-10.
Watch out
The classic slip, which many Chinese people make too, is 的 for 得: ✗ 写的很好 ✓ 写得很好.
Examples
这是我的笔记本。
This is my notebook.
他认真地写作业。
He does his homework carefully.
你的汉字写得真好！
Your characters are really well written!
我的同学高兴地说：“你写得真好！”
My classmate said happily: “You write really well!”
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 13: 这个字写错了 (Studying characters)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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