The use of 的

[kevjev]

Hi Guys! I was reading through some old threads and I came across an example of a sentence. It was , "他是从中国来的，是不是?" I don't understand why 的 has been used. As of now I only know the use of 的 applies when you a noun proceeded by its description and for possessiveness. Could someone please explain to me why 的 has been used? Thanks in advance

 

 

[xiaokaka]

This is also an example of 是……的, which you just posted about in the other topic.

There are actually two patterns used here:

1. (person) 从 (somewhere) 来 = (person) FROM (somewhere) COME = (person) comes from (somewhere)

2. 是……的 to emphasize the "from"

Then 是不是 is added to make it into a question.

[kevjev]

Oh haha! Thanks. 

[zenith mandarin]

This is comes to a pattern " 是...的“，and also "是”is optional.but "的“is necessary.

To emphasis the info between "是”and "的“。so the example is emphasis on "从中国来”，and distinguish from"从美国来“，or ”从英国来“，or all other country.

This structure also often use to emphasis on such as: "when,where,how,the purpose,with whom" these kind of situation.

 

是不是 just make it into a simple question,equals to "是吗？”

[kevjev]

Zenith, 太谢谢您了！

[gaogaozhan]

 

2. 是……的 to emphasize the "from"

 

That's only correct when you look at the whole sentence.

On its own, its core is 的 (it has to be a noun)

Did you notice 来的 is not written as 来得? Normally it should 来得.

来 + 的 = country of origin, see it's a noun.

 

When you understand this concept, you can also say 有什么吃的吗？ when you go to a Chinese restaurant.

吃 ＋ 的 ＝ food