In Chinese, words are divided into two classes: the shízì ("solid word") and the xūzì ("empty word"). The solid words include verbs, nouns, and adjectives, while the latter includes particles.
Chinese particles are also known as yǔzhù , zhùzì, zhùcí, yǔcí or simply cí.
The particle de can be used to indicate possession. It is roughly equivalent to the contraction “X’s” in English, where X is the subject.
The particle Zhe is used after a verb to show that the action is in progress or that the results from that action are continuing.
The particle Zháo is used after a verb to show accomplishment or result. Note: It is not to be confused with the identically written particle Zhe, which shows continuation (Lesson 3).
The particle de is used in few special constructs to indicate degree of complement (how fast, how early, how expensive, etc). It has no equivalent in English but must be used to indicate the meanings below.
Examples of Chinese particles:
| English | Chinese |
| My friend. | Wǒ de péngyou |
| Mine | wǒ de |
| Yours | nǐ de |
| His | tā de |
| Hers | tā de |
| Theirs | tāmen de |
| Ours | wǒmen de |
| I’ve finally been able to buy this item | Wŏ zhōngyú bă dōngxī măi zháo le. |
| He was(is) caught in the act of stealing. | Tā zài xíng qìe shí beì dāng chǎng zhuā dào. |