HSK 4
多项定语
duō xiàng dìng yǔ
Multiple attributives
Explanation
This point is about multiple attributives (多项定语 duōxiàng dìngyǔ): an attributive is a component that modifies a noun, and when a noun has SEVERAL attributives in front of it, they must be arranged in a fixed order. Structure (the common order): determiner (demonstrative/quantity) + descriptive word (evaluation, shape) + color + material + head noun.
一条(quantity) 漂亮的(descriptive) 红(color) 围巾(noun).
when you need to attach a lot of information to a single noun within the same phrase, e.g. describing a person or an object in detail.
an attributive with 的 (de) usually comes before an attributive without 的; a demonstrative + quantity phrase such as 那两件 (nà liǎng jiàn = those two) usually stands at the far left.
Vietnamese learners often arrange things in the Vietnamese order (noun first, adjectives following, like 'scarf red beautiful'); in Chinese, ALL attributives must come BEFORE the noun and in the correct order of quantity → description → color → noun, and cannot be reversed.
Examples
I have a beautiful red scarf.
Where did I put those two long white shirts of mine?
That white-haired, tall old man wearing glasses is precisely our principal.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “多项定语” effectively
The grammar point “多项定语” (Multiple attributives) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.