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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing to hit or to strike with 打 (dǎ)

    Actions & Events

    Explanation

    打 (dǎ) is one of the most versatile verbs in Chinese, with a core meaning of 'to hit' or 'to strike.' Beyond its literal meaning, it appears in dozens of compound verbs such as 打电话 (to make a phone call), 打工 (to work a job), and 打开 (to open).

    Examples

    • 弟弟不小心打碎了一个杯子。

      dìdi bù xiǎoxīn dǎ suì le yī gè bēizi.

      My little brother accidentally broke a cup.

    • 你今天给妈妈打电话了吗？

      nǐ jīntiān gěi māmā dǎ diànhuà le ma?

      Did you call Mom today?

    • 下课以后我们去打篮球吧。

      xiàkè yǐhòu wǒmen qù dǎ lánqiú ba.

      Let's go play basketball after class.

    Expressing to hit or to strike with 打 (dǎ) | Chinese Grammar