How to use “的”, “地”, and “得”?

Even HSK Level 4 students still make mistakes with these, but that’s completely normal.

There is a simple way to remember them: “的” is followed by nouns, “地” is followed by verbs, and “得” is followed by complements.

Examples:

• 的: 漂亮的车 (the word after it is a noun)

• 地: 慢慢地走 (the word after it describes an action, a verb)

• 得: 开得很快 (the part after it describes degree or result, a complement)

In C-Tyme Chinese one-on-one lessons, all mistakes with “的 / 地 / 得” are corrected in every homework assignment. With 2–3 rounds of practice, most students can eliminate this mistake completely.