的
Pattern
Modifier / owner + 的
Key words
Core idea
A phrase ending in 的 can stand without the noun when the noun is already understood. This creates meanings like “mine,” “his,” “the hot one,” or “the red one.”
The missing noun must be recoverable from context. Mandarin does not need to repeat it if the listener already knows what kind of thing is being discussed.
Compare with other uses
This pattern builds on possessive and modifier 的. The relationship before 的 stays the same, but the head noun after it is omitted.
If the context does not make the noun clear, keep the noun after 的.
Examples
这本书是我的。
Zhè běn shū shì wǒ de.
This book is mine.
我要热的。
Wǒ yào rè de.
I want the hot one.
蓝的是他的，红的是我的。
Lán de shì tā de, hóng de shì wǒ de.
The blue one is his; the red one is mine.
Common mistakes
Avoid
这是我。
Use
这是我的。
When you mean mine, keep 的 after the owner.