别的

• Pinyin: bié de
• Hanzi breakdown: 别 (other, separate) + 的 (descriptive particle) — other things or people

Meaning

Other; else. Refers to things or people different from what has been mentioned.

Used as a pronoun or determiner meaning 'other' or 'something else'. Can stand alone (你想要别的吗？) or modify a noun (别的同学). Interchangeable with 其他的 in most contexts, but 别的 is more colloquial.

Examples

1. 你还想吃别的吗？ Would you like to eat anything else?
2. 别的同学都走了。 The other classmates have all left.
3. 我不想要这个，有别的吗？ I don't want this one. Do you have others?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, conversation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 还有别的问题吗？(Are there any other questions?)
• 我想看看别的。(I'd like to look at something else.)

Don't Say

• 别的那个 (Redundant — 别的 already implies 'a different one'; just say 别的 or 那个别的)

Origin & History

Compound of 别 (other, to separate) and 的 (particle marking possession or description). Together they function as 'other' or 'different ones'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal