HSK 4 · VERSION 2.0#40

Using “de” (Modal Particle)

的

How it works

Sentence-final 的 (de) can be used as a modal particle. In this use, it does not modify a noun. Instead, it adds tone to the sentence.

It often makes the sentence sound:

more definite

more explanatory

more firm

more natural in spoken Chinese

Clause + 的 (de)

我知道的。

Wǒ zhīdào de.

I know.

他不会来的。

Tā bú huì lái de.

He will not come.

我是跟你开玩笑的。

Wǒ shì gēn nǐ kāi wánxiào de.

I was joking with you.

This 的 (de) is not the same as the structural 的 (de) used in phrases like:

我的书 wǒ de shū my book

Here, sentence-final 的 (de) is about tone, not noun modification.