When to Use 的, 得, and 地
Learn the difference between 的, 得, and 地 with quick examples and a cloze drill.
Words in this guide
的、得、地 look and sound alike, each sharing the same pinyin, and are often compared to the English there, their, and they're for this reason. However, each has its own unique function in a sentence. Understanding these grammar particles is key to writing correct sentences. Here's a quick guide plus an interactive fill-in-the-blank card so you can understand the differences and practice.
的 — attaches descriptions to nouns
Use 的 to link an attributive phrase to the noun it describes. Think “my 的 friend” or “red 的 scarf.” It anchors qualities and ownership directly to things.
Example: 这是我的书包。 — “This is my backpack.”
Example: 这是我的朋友。 — “This is my friend.”
得 — describes how an action is performed
Place 得 after a verb to show degree or result. It answers “how” the action happens and pairs naturally with adverbs or complements.
Example: 他跑得很快。 — “He runs very fast.”
Example: 他说中文说得很流利。 — “He speaks Chinese very fluently.”
地 — turns modifiers into adverbs
地 turns adjectives into adverbs. If you want to describe how something is done, you can place the adjective before the verb, followed by 地, and finally the verb you are describing.
Example: 她认真地学习。 — “She studies diligently.”
Example: 他努力地工作。 — “He works hard.”
Try the fill-in-the-blank quiz
Type the missing character or switch to multiple choice to complete the sentence. Press enter to check your answer and keep going.
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