The Problems of “DE” Identification in Mandarin

Abstract

In Mandarin Chinese, “DE” which is a structural particle can be realized by three characters: 的, 地 and 得. Although they have been differently defaulted by all Chinese grammar books, it is obviously found that they can be replaced in the same construction. This article aims at examining the problems of “DE” in these cases by considering their sources and development. Moreover, this article presents the factors affecting the use of replacement, and offers the identifying method of “DE” to confirm that the occurred replacement is reasonable.