所…的
HSK 5- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 所...的 turns a verb phrase into a noun, meaning 'that which/what...'
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The 所...的 structure is a formal way to turn a verb phrase into a noun phrase, emphasizing the object of the action. It is equivalent in meaning to "that which," "what," or "the thing(s) that" in English.
所 is placed before the verb and 的 at the end. The noun following 的 can be omitted when the context is clear. This structure commonly appears in written language or formal situations, giving sentences a more academic or emphatic tone.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这是我所知道的一切。繁: 這是我所知道的一切。Zhè shì wǒ suǒ zhīdào de yíqiè.
This is all that I know.
- 你所看到的不是事实。繁: 你所看到的不是事實。Nǐ suǒ kàndào de bú shì shìshí.
What you see is not the truth.
- 我们所需要的是时间。繁: 我們所需要的是時間。Wǒmen suǒ xūyào de shì shíjiān.
What we need is time.
- 他所做的决定是正确的。繁: 他所做的決定是正確的。Tā suǒ zuò de juédìng shì zhèngquè de.
The decision he made was correct.
- 我所关心的只有你。繁: 我所關心的只有你。Wǒ suǒ guānxīn de zhǐyǒu nǐ.
The only person I care about is you.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他所跑的很快。Correct:他跑得很快。
所 is only used with verbs that can take an object (transitive verbs). 跑 (to run) is an intransitive verb and does not have a direct object.
- Wrong:我所爱是你。Correct:我所爱的是你。
所...的 is a fixed structure for forming noun phrases; the 的 at the end cannot be omitted.