Epithet / Expansion of noun - Nominal phrases, adjectival phrases, numeral phrases as modifier
定语 — 名词性词语、形容词性短语、数量短语作定语
The epithet (定语) modifies a noun and is placed BEFORE the noun, often with the particle 的. The modifiers can be nouns, adjectives, or numeral classifiers.
Structure
Modifier + (的) + Noun
Elements
Nominal phrasesAdjectival phrasesNumerical phrases as modifier
How to use it
- Adjective + 的 + noun: Pretty flowers.
- Number + classifier + noun: Three books.
- 的 can be omitted for monosyllabic adjectives: Big house, Good person.
Examples
漂亮的女孩。
piàoliang de nǚ。
A pretty girl.
三个学生。
sān gè xuéshēng。
Three students.
新的衣服。
xīn de yīfu。
A new garment.
中国菜。
Zhōngguó cài。
Chinese cuisine.
Notes and exceptions
- 的 can be omitted for common monosyllabic adjectives: Big house, Good person.
Common mistakes
- Omit 的 for long adjectives: *Pretty girl → Pretty girl.
Practice quiz
Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.
1. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(Adjective + 的 + noun: Pretty flowers.)
2. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(Number + classifier + noun: Three books.)
3. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(的 can be omitted for monosyllabic adjectives: Big house, Good person.)