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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'giving' or 'letting' with 给 (gěi)

    Actions & Events
    Permission & Ability

    Structure

    给 + Recipient + Verb + Object

    Explanation

    The word 给 (gěi) is one of the most versatile words in Chinese. As a verb it means 'to give,' and as a preposition it indicates the recipient of an action or grants permission to do something. It is essential for expressing transfers, permissions, and indirect objects.

    Examples

    • 他给了我一本很有意思的书。

      tā gěi le wǒ yì běn hěn yǒu yìsi de shū.

      He gave me a very interesting book.

    • 妈妈给孩子做了一顿丰盛的晚饭。

      māma gěi háizi zuò le yí dùn fēngshèng de wǎnfàn.

      Mom made a rich dinner for the children.

    • 请你把这封信给他带过去。

      qǐng nǐ bǎ zhè fēng xìn gěi tā dài guòqù.

      Please take this letter to him.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'giving' or 'letting' with 给 (gěi) | Chinese Grammar