The original author of this article is foreign entertainer Skanda (韋佳德), who has spent several years developing in the Republic of China. He has offered correct insights into commonly occurring errors when people use words and phrasing. We welcome those who wish to “use words correctly” and parents currently educating children to definitely take a look.
Below is the original article; everyone is welcome to improve their language ability from it:
Believe in Jiade. Rather than frantically studying English grammar, it’s better to review your native language’s sentence structure!
I have been in Taiwan for over six years. Over these years, I have seen countless magazines, books, essays, and more. I must say, I have encountered very many publishing houses, editors, and even authors who cannot distinguish when to use “de” (的), “de” (得), and “de” (地).
At first, I couldn’t believe that such a simple “de” (的) grammar confuses so many people into using “de” (得) inappropriately. Abroad, this is content learned in the first few lessons of studying Chinese, so I initially thought perhaps Taiwan didn’t make such fine distinctions with “de” (得). But one day, chatting with a colleague (a linguist), he told me it’s not that there aren’t distinctions, but rather most people use them incorrectly.
I have been particularly sensitive to language since childhood. Later, engaging in interpreting work, language became my profession. Now, when I host, language is even more a tool deserving special respect. After hosting knowledge of national Chinese characters, I more clearly understand how charming Chinese characters are!
I previously consulted Teacher Wang Yan-hong, a Chinese language teaching and research officer from the education section of the Commerce Daily. Her answer might give parents who aren’t sure a hint. Teacher Wang affirmatively said these three characters must be used distinctly. It’s just that lower elementary years, such as first and second grade children, haven’t yet touched this knowledge, or currently without teaching requirements, teachers have downplayed this knowledge. Once reaching mid-elementary school stages, students naturally need to learn how to distinguish these three different “de” usages, at which time one must learn to differentiate.
The Character “de” (的)
- Adjective ending: This is its most universal usage, used to modify the following noun or pronoun. Examples: my home, the puppy’s toy, etc.
- Preposition: expressing possession, similar to the classical Chinese character “zhi” (之).
- Pronoun: similar to the character “zhe” (者). Originally an abbreviation of “……de person”; the “de” (的) is preceded by descriptive words, when added to “de” (的), used to modify the noun “person.” Examples: the one driving, the one singing, the one speaking, etc.
The Character “de” (得)
- “Verb ending”: Verbs have no endings by nature; here it’s merely an expedient term. At this time it is only a function word. This is the most common usage, expressing possibility, action, appearance, effect, or degree. Examples: “can lift” (expressing possibility), “what you said makes sense” (action), “splashing water everywhere” (appearance), “his painting is very lifelike, no wonder he’s a painter” (effect), and “admired tremendously” (degree). The structure of these four usages is: verb + de + adverb.
- Only able to, can, must meaning
- Adjective ending: Example: “This pair of shoes is unusually big.” In this sentence “big” is an adjective, adding “de” expresses its state. Similarly: “This tree grows very tall,” etc.
The Character “de” (地)
- Adverb ending: Adverb added to “de,” used to modify or restrict a verb or adjective. Example: “I quietly told mother.”
In summary, “de” (的), “de” (得), and “de” (地) are very easy to distinguish!
“de” (的) is used in front of nouns. Examples: Xiaoming’s hat, cute baby, sunset in the western sky, mother’s reminders, the bird on the tree.
“de” (地) is used in front of verbs. Examples: slowly walk, run quickly, laugh happily, chew carefully, study earnestly, shout loudly.
“de” (得) is used after verbs and must be followed by an adjective. Examples: frightened pale-faced, laughing until tumbling, crying heartbreakingly, singing with delight, growing so fast.
Although communication flows smoothly and grammar is just a small matter, I don’t think so. Chinese characters are filled with traces of history and culture. Respecting correct usage is equivalent to respecting one’s own native language, culture, and historical origins!
Respecting grammar is respecting yourself!