Verb Phrases as Attributives (Modifiers)
动词或动词性短语、主谓短语作定语
Use verb phrases and subject-predicate phrases to modify nouns using 的
A verb phrase or subject-predicate phrase can modify a noun by placing it before 的 and the noun. This works like a relative clause in English ("the girl who is dancing" → 跳舞的女孩儿).
The particle 的 is required between the modifying phrase and the noun. The modified noun always comes last. This is the Chinese equivalent of English relative clauses with "who," "which," or "that."
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Verb Phrases as Attributives (Modifiers) (动词或动词性短语、主谓短语作定语)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 动词或动词性短语、主谓短语作定语 pattern
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Understanding 动词或动词性短语、主谓短语作定语
In English, we use relative clauses after the noun: "the girl who is dancing" or "the story that Xiao Bai told." Chinese does it in reverse — the modifying phrase comes before the noun, connected by 的. So "the dancing girl" becomes 跳舞的女孩儿, and "the story Xiao Bai told" becomes 小白讲的故事. This is one of the most important structural differences between Chinese and English. In Chinese, all modifiers — whether single adjectives, verb phrases, or entire clauses — come before the noun they modify. The particle 的 signals that everything before it is describing the noun that follows. Once you master this pattern, you can create complex, descriptive noun phrases that sound natural and sophisticated. It is essential for reading and writing at the intermediate level.
Key Points
- Verb + 的 + noun: 跳舞的女孩儿 (the girl who is dancing).
- Verb phrase + 的 + noun: 观看演出的观众 (the audience watching the performance).
- Subject-predicate phrase + 的 + noun: 小白讲的故事 (the story Xiao Bai told).
- 的 is required — it links the modifier to the noun.
- The modifier always comes BEFORE 的 and the noun — opposite of English relative clauses.
- Multiple modifiers can stack: 昨天从北京来的那个老师 (that teacher who came from Beijing yesterday).
This pre-nominal modification pattern means that in Chinese, you must know the full description before you hear the noun. This is one reason Chinese listeners are very attentive — the key noun often comes at the end of a long modifying phrase. Patience in listening is a valued skill.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
你看见那个跳舞的女孩儿了吗？
Did you see that girl who is dancing?
观看演出的观众请从右边的门进去。
Audience members watching the performance, please enter through the door on the right.
小白讲的故事很有意思。
The story Xiao Bai told is very interesting.
Subject-predicate phrase as attributive
他买的那本书很贵。
The book he bought is very expensive.
在图书馆学习的学生很多。
There are many students studying in the library.
昨天来我们学校参观的人是谁？
Who was the person who visited our school yesterday?
妈妈做的菜特别好吃。
The food Mom makes is especially delicious.
Common Mistakes
The modifier (跳舞的) must come BEFORE the noun (女孩儿), not after. Chinese puts all modifiers before the noun.
The 的 is essential — without it, the sentence means "Xiao Bai telling stories is interesting" (verb phrase as subject), not "the story Xiao Bai told is interesting."
You must include 的 between the verb phrase modifier and the noun it modifies.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 的 as a bridge: [description] + 的 + [noun]. Everything before 的 describes the noun after it.
English relative clauses come after the noun; Chinese attributive phrases come before. Flip the order in your head.
Start simple: 我买的书 (the book I bought), then build longer: 我昨天在书店买的那本书 (that book I bought at the bookstore yesterday).
When reading Chinese, look for 的 — it often signals that a modifier is describing the noun that follows.
Homework
Write six sentences using verb phrases or subject-predicate phrases as attributives. Include at least two with subject-predicate phrases (e.g., 妈妈做的菜) and two with longer verb phrases (e.g., 在图书馆看书的学生). Underline the full modifier + 的 + noun phrase in each sentence.