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How to say “for someone” in Chinese with 给 and 为

给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb (transfer) / 为 (wèi) + Beneficiary + Verb (for the sake of)

Comparing "给 (gěi)" and "为 (wèi)"

HSK 5Prepositions

Rule structure

给 (gěi) introduces the recipient of an action, often physical transfer. 为 (wèi) introduces the beneficiary, often emotional or abstract.

Examples

我给你买了礼物。 / 我为你骄傲。

Wǒ gěi nǐ mǎi le lǐwù. / Wǒ wèi nǐ jiāo'ào.

I bought you a gift. / I’m proud of you.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Comparing "给 (gěi)" and "为 (wèi)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb (transfer) / 为 (wèi) + Beneficiary + Verb (for the sake of). For example: 我给你买了礼物。 / 我为你骄傲。 — “I bought you a gift. / I’m proud of you.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

我给你买了礼物。 / 我为你骄傲。 — “I bought you a gift. / I’m proud of you.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.

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