所 (suǒ) — formal construction with 所 (suǒ)

所 (suǒ) + Verb + 的 (de) + Noun; 为 (wéi) + Noun + 所 (suǒ) + Verb

HSK 63.0

Pattern diagram

所Verb的Noun
为Noun所Verb

Rule structure

The formal particle 所 (suǒ) marks a verb inside a relative clause before a noun: 所认识的人 (suǒ rènshi de rén) — "a person whom one knows". The second pattern is the passive frame 为 (wéi)⋯⋯所 (suǒ)⋯⋯ (wéi... suǒ...): 为人们所喜爱 (wéi rénmen suǒ xǐ'ài) — "loved by people". Both patterns are formal and mostly written.

Examples

他是我所认识的最认真的人。

Tā shì wǒ suǒ rènshi de zuì rènzhēn de rén.

He is the most serious person I know.

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Words from this rule

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “formal construction with 所” in Chinese with 所?

Use the structure: 所 (suǒ) + Verb + 的 (de) + Noun; 为 (wéi) + Noun + 所 (suǒ) + Verb. For example: 他是我所认识的最认真的人。 — “He is the most serious person I know”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他是我所认识的最认真的人。 — “He is the most serious person I know”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 6.

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More HSK 3.0 Level 6 grammar rules