"的" Phrases & Serial Verb Phrases
"的"字短语、连谓短语
Use 的-phrases as noun substitutes and serial verb phrases to describe sequential actions
"的" phrases: when 的 replaces an obvious noun — 我的 (mine), 红色的 (the red one), 新的 (the new one). Serial verb phrases: two verbs share the same subject and happen in sequence — 去买东西 (go buy things), 坐飞机去北京 (take a plane to go to Beijing).
In "的" phrases, the noun after 的 is dropped because context makes it clear. In serial verb phrases, the first verb often describes the method or purpose of the second.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: "的" Phrases & Serial Verb Phrases ("的"字短语、连谓短语)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the "的"字短语、连谓短语 pattern
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Understanding "的"字短语、连谓短语
"的" phrases and serial verb phrases are two powerful tools that make Chinese more efficient. A "的" phrase drops the noun when it is obvious from context: instead of saying 这是我的书 and 那是你的书, you can say 这是我的，那是你的 — everyone knows you mean books. The 的 stands in for the noun, just like "mine" and "yours" in English. You can use any modifier: 红色的 (the red one), 大的 (the big one), 新的 (the new one), 昨天买的 (the one bought yesterday). Serial verb phrases chain two or more verbs together with the same subject. The actions happen in order: 我去商店买东西 (I go to the store to buy things) — first you go, then you buy. 他坐飞机去北京 (He takes a plane to go to Beijing) — the plane is the method, Beijing is the destination. No connecting word is needed — the verbs simply follow each other.
Key Points
- "的" phrase: Modifier + 的 (with noun omitted). 我的 = mine, 新的 = the new one.
- The omitted noun must be clear from context.
- Common patterns: Pronoun + 的, Adjective + 的, Verb phrase + 的.
- Serial verb phrase: Subject + V1 + V2, where both verbs share the same subject.
- V1 often shows method/means: 坐飞机去 (take a plane to go), 用中文写 (write in Chinese).
- V1 can also show purpose: 去买 (go to buy), 来看 (come to see).
- No conjunction is needed between serial verbs — they just follow in order.
- Serial verb phrases can have more than two verbs: 我出去买东西吃 (I go out to buy food to eat).
The efficiency of "的" phrases reflects Chinese communication style — why say more when context is clear? This principle of conciseness runs deep in Chinese culture, from classical poetry (which packs meaning into very few characters) to modern conversation.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这是我的，那是你的。
This is mine, that is yours.
"的" phrase — noun omitted
我要红色的。
I want the red one.
"的" phrase — adjective + 的
新的比旧的好。
The new one is better than the old one.
昨天买的很好吃。
The one bought yesterday is delicious.
"的" phrase — verb phrase + 的
去买东西。
Go buy things.
Serial verb — purpose
坐飞机去北京。
Take a plane to go to Beijing.
Serial verb — method + destination
他回家吃饭。
He goes home to eat.
Serial verb — sequential actions
我们出去走走。
Let us go out for a walk.
Serial verb — go out + walk
Common Mistakes
When the noun is omitted, you still need 的 to mark it as a noun phrase: 红色的 (the red one).
In serial verb phrases, each verb keeps its own object: 坐飞机 (take a plane) + 去北京 (go to Beijing).
Serial verbs do not need a conjunction like 和. The verbs simply follow each other in sequence.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
In shops, "的" phrases are essential: 大的, 小的, 便宜的, 贵的, 红色的, 蓝色的.
Serial verbs follow time order: the first action happens first. 去商店买东西 = go to store, then buy.
Common serial verb patterns: 去 + V (go to do), 来 + V (come to do), 坐 + transport + 去 (take transport to go).
Practice "的" phrases by pointing at things: 这个是新的, 那个是旧的, 我喜欢蓝色的.
Homework
Write five sentences using "的" phrases (shopping scenario: choosing between items) and five sentences using serial verb phrases (describing your daily commute and activities).