What is the structure of a Chinese noun phrase?
A Chinese noun phrase typically follows the order: determiner (if any), numeral, classifier, adjective or modifier, and noun. For example: 一 (one), 本 (classifier), 好 (good), 书 (book) forms the noun phrase "a good book" (一本好书).
How are possessive relationships expressed in Chinese noun phrases?
Possessive relationships in Chinese noun phrases are expressed using the particle "的" (de). The possessor precedes "的," followed by the possessed item. For example, "我的书" (wǒ de shū) means "my book."
How are adjectives used in Chinese noun phrases?
Adjectives in Chinese noun phrases typically precede the noun they modify and are often linked by the particle "的" (de). For example, "大房子" (dà fángzi) means "big house," and "漂亮的花" (piàoliang de huā) means "beautiful flower." If the adjective is a single-syllable, "的" can sometimes be omitted, such as "好人" (hǎo rén) meaning "good person."
How are classifiers used in Chinese noun phrases?
Classifiers are used in Chinese noun phrases to categorise nouns when specifying quantities. They are placed between numerals and nouns, matching the classifier to the specific type of noun, such as "一本书" (yī běn shū) for "one book" or "一个人" (yī gè rén) for "one person".
How are numeral phrases used in Chinese noun phrases?
Numeral phrases in Chinese noun phrases typically follow the order: numeral + classifier + noun. For example, "三本书" (sān běn shū) means "three books," with "三" (sān) being the numeral, "本" (běn) the classifier, and "书" (shū) the noun. Classifiers are essential components in this structure.