A 之 B
the B of A: classical 的, kept in names and set phrases
Structure
修饰语 之 名词
What it means
The B of A: 之 is classical 的, kept in names, titles and four-character set phrases.
How it is built
Modifier + 之 + noun, usually forming a fixed name or four-beat phrase: 丝绸之路 (the Silk Road), 无价之宝 (a priceless treasure).
When to use it
Formal and literary. 之 keeps a four-beat rhythm that 的 would break: 一技之长, 鱼米之乡, 不解之谜. In ordinary modern phrases use 的.
Watch out
Don't swap 的 into fixed names: ✗ 丝绸的路 ✓ 丝绸之路. Don't use 之 freely in speech: ✗ 我之朋友 ✓ 我的朋友.
Examples
这条商路被命名为“丝绸之路”。
This trade route was named the “Silk Road”.
一场长达八年的“安史之乱”使唐朝由盛转衰。
The eight-year “An–Shi Rebellion” turned the Tang towards decline.
Learn this in Lesson 77 · HSK 6–7: 丝绸之路与唐朝 (The Silk Road and the Tang)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
Open the lesson →