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Expressing possession with 之 ("zhi")

之 zhī

Particle
HSK 5

Structure

Noun + 之 + Noun

Definition

之是古代汉语中常用的结构助词，表示领属关系，相当于现代汉语的“的”。在现代书面语中，它仍用于一些固定短语和正式场合，表达一种典雅、庄重的风格。

Zhi is a structural particle in classical Chinese used to indicate possession, equivalent to modern Chinese 'de'. In modern written Chinese, it is still used in some fixed phrases and formal contexts to convey an elegant and solemn style.

Usage

之通常放在所有者之后、所属物之前，构成“所有者+之+所属物”的结构。常用于正式文体、成语、固定搭配或文学性表达中，以代替口语化的“的”。

Zhi is usually placed after the possessor and before the possessum, forming the structure 'possessor + zhi + possessum'. It is often used in formal writing, idioms, fixed phrases, or literary expressions to replace the colloquial 'de'.

Examples

  • 1 父母之爱是世界上最无私的爱。 (Parents' love is the most selfless love in the world.)
  • 2 中国之文化博大精深。 (Chinese culture is extensive and profound.)
  • 3 君子之交淡如水。 (The friendship between gentlemen is as pure as water.)
  • 4 天有不测风云，人有旦夕祸福。 (Just as weather is unpredictable, so are human fortunes and misfortunes.)
  • 5 千里之行，始于足下。 (A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.)

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