给
gěi
To give; for (preposition indicating recipient of action)
How to say “to give” in Chinese with 给 (gěi)
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Target + Verb + Obj.
给 (gěi) — giving to someone
HSK 2Verb phrases
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Target + Verb + Obj.
HSK 2Verb phrases给 (gěi) — giving to someone
Rule structure
In the pattern 给 (gěi) + Person + Verb, 给 (gěi) indicates that the action is done for the benefit of, or directed at, that person.
Rule structure
In the pattern 给 (gěi) + Person + Verb, 给 (gěi) indicates that the action is done for the benefit of, or directed at, that person.
Examples
我给你写信。
Wǒ gěi nǐ xiě xìn.
I write a letter to you.
我给你买书。
Wǒ gěi nǐ mǎi shū.
I buy a book for you.
我给你看书。
Wǒ gěi nǐ kànshū.
I show you a book.
Examples
我给你写信。
Wǒ gěi nǐ xiě xìn.
I write a letter to you.
我给你买书。
Wǒ gěi nǐ mǎi shū.
I buy a book for you.
我给你看书。
Wǒ gěi nǐ kànshū.
I show you a book.
Practice
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Characters
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “giving to someone” in Chinese with 给?
Use the structure: Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Target + Verb + Obj.. For example: 我给你写信。 — “I write a letter to you”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我给你写信。 — “I write a letter to you”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 2.
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More HSK 2 grammar rules
到 — direction with “to go to”
到 (dào) + Place + 去 (qù)
一下 — verbing briefly
Verb + 一下 (yíxià)
给 — verb + give to someone
Subj. + Verb + 给 (gěi) + Recipient + Obj.
在 — location after verbs
Verb + 在 (zài) + Place
教你 — double object verbs
Subj. + Verb + Indirect Obj. + Direct Obj.
去 — actions in a row
(Verb Phrase 1) + (Verb Phrase 2)
不要 — negative commands
不要 (búyào) + Verb
看看 — verb reduplication, “take a look”
Verb + Verb