所 + 动词
that which is V-ed; what one V-s
Structure
所 动词 （的） （名词）
What it means
That which is V-ed; what one V-s: 所 turns a verb into a noun phrase about its object.
How it is built
(Subject +) 所 + verb (+ 的 + noun): 这正是我们所希望的 (This is exactly what we hope for).
When to use it
Formal; in speech 所 can usually go: 我们希望的. Classical: 己所不欲，勿施于人. Modern fixed forms: 所谓, 所有, 所见所闻, 无所谓, 所剩无几, 据我所知.
Watch out
The subject goes before 所, not after: ✗ 所我知道的 ✓ 我所知道的. The verb must be one that takes an object: 所说, 所做, 所知.
Examples
己所不欲，勿施于人。
What you yourself do not want, do not impose on others.
这正是我们所希望的。
This is exactly what we hope for.
Learn this in Lesson 207 · HSK 9+: 寓言与名句 (Fables and famous lines)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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