给
gěi
To give; for (preposition indicating recipient of action)
How to use 给 (gěi) for passive voice in Chinese
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Agent + Verb (+ 了 (le))
给 (gěi) — passive voice
HSK 5Prepositions
Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Agent + Verb (+ 了 (le))
HSK 5Prepositions给 (gěi) — passive voice
Rule structure
给 (gěi) can mark the passive voice in colloquial Chinese. It introduces the agent and is often used when the action results in a negative outcome. Similar to 被 (bèi) but more informal.
Rule structure
给 (gěi) can mark the passive voice in colloquial Chinese. It introduces the agent and is often used when the action results in a negative outcome. Similar to 被 (bèi) but more informal.
Examples
我的手机给弟弟摔坏了。
Wǒ de shǒujī gěi dìdi shuāi huài le.
My phone was broken by my younger brother.
Examples
我的手机给弟弟摔坏了。
Wǒ de shǒujī gěi dìdi shuāi huài le.
My phone was broken by my younger brother.
Practice
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “passive voice” in Chinese with 给?
Use the structure: Subj. + 给 (gěi) + Agent + Verb (+ 了 (le)). For example: 我的手机给弟弟摔坏了。 — “My phone was broken by my younger brother”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我的手机给弟弟摔坏了。 — “My phone was broken by my younger brother”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.
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More HSK 5 grammar rules
就 — only, just
就 (jiù) + Measure Word / Noun (only, just)
包括 — including with 在内
包括 (bāokuò) + X + 在内 (zàinèi), Group + 都 (dōu) + Verb
朝 vs 向 vs 往 — direction prepositions
朝 (cháo) / 向 (xiàng) / 往 (wǎng) + Direction + Verb
对 vs 对于 — to, regarding
对 (duì) + Person + Verb / 对于 (duìyú) + Topic + Verb
对于 vs 至于 — as for, regarding
对于 (duìyú) + Topic (focus) / 至于 (zhìyú) + Topic (transition)
凭 — on the basis of
凭 (píng) + Noun + Verb
给 vs 为 — for someone's benefit
给 (gěi) + Recipient + Verb (transfer) / 为 (wèi) + Beneficiary + Verb (for the sake of)
自从 — ever since
自从 (zìcóng) + Event, Subj. + 就 (jiù) / 一直 (yìzhí) + Verb