What does 的 mean in Chinese?

的 (de) means "of; ~'s (possessive particle); (used after an attribute); (used to form a nominal expression); (used at the end of a declarative sentence for emphasis)" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 1.

How do you pronounce 的?

的 is pronounced "de" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 5.

What HSK level is 的?

的 is an HSK 1 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 1 on both the old and the new exam.

What words contain the character 的?

Common words with 的 include 似的 (seems as if), 中的 (to hit the target), 假的 (bogus), 他娘的 (same as 他媽的|他妈的[ta1 ma1 de5]), 他妈的 ((taboo curse) damn it!).

How do you write 的?

的 has 8 strokes. Its radical is 白. You can view the stroke order animation on our stroke order tool.

的 (de), of

的

of; ~'s (possessive particle); (used after an attribute); (used to form a nominal expression)

HSK 18 strokes

Character Breakdown

的 = 白 + 勺

A white ladle marks possession

Radical: 白 (no. 106)Strokes: 8

View stroke order →

Definitions

of
~'s (possessive particle)
(used after an attribute)
(used to form a nominal expression)
(used at the end of a declarative sentence for emphasis)

Example Sentences

这是我的书。

Zhè shì wǒ de shū

This is my book

Words Containing 的

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
似的	shì de	seems as if	HSK 5
中的	zhòng dì	to hit the target
假的	jiǎ de	bogus
他娘的	tā niáng de	same as 他媽的\|他妈的[ta1 ma1 de5]
他妈的	tā mā de

→

啊(ā)· interjection of surprise

→

之(zhī)· (possessive particle, literary equivalent of 的[de5])

→

嘅(gě)· possessive particle (Cantonese)

→

Grammar Notes

Adjectives with 很HSK 1

Subject + 很 + Adjective

Possessive 的HSK 1

Possessor + 的 + Noun

Basic Measure Words (个, 本, 杯)HSK 1

Number / 这 / 那 + Measure Word + Noun

Question Word Questions (什么, 谁, 哪)HSK 1

Same as statement, but replace the unknown element with a question word

This/That with 这/那HSK 1

这/那 + Measure Word + Noun

Appears in these articles

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 1
HSK 2.0: HSK 1
HSK Lord study list: HSK 1 list

的: HSK 1 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 1 exam

Studying for HSK 1? Keep 的 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 1 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.

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