给

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gěi: 给 - to give; for; by (passive)

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: gei pinyin, 给 meaning, Chinese verb to give, Chinese preposition for, Chinese grammar passive voice, using gei in a sentence, gei vs bei, what does gei mean, HSK 1 grammar
  • Summary: Discover the power of 给 (gěi), one of the most fundamental and versatile words in Mandarin Chinese. While its core meaning is “to give,” this HSK 1 character is also essential for expressing actions done “for” someone and for forming the passive voice (“by”). Mastering the multiple uses of 给 is a critical step for any beginner learner looking to build more complex and natural-sounding Chinese sentences. This guide breaks down its grammar, cultural context, and practical examples.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): gěi
  • Part of Speech: Verb, Preposition (Coverb)
  • HSK Level: HSK 1
  • Concise Definition: To give; for the benefit of; by (in a passive construction).
  • In a Nutshell: Think of 给 (gěi) as a Swiss Army knife in Chinese grammar. At its heart, it means “to give,” just like in English. But its true utility comes from its role as a preposition. It connects an action to the person who receives it, similar to the English word “for” or “to.” You use it to say you're doing something *for* someone (e.g., cooking *for* them, calling *them*). It can even be used to show that something was done *by* someone, creating a passive sentence. It's a small word that does a lot of heavy lifting.

Character Breakdown

  • 给 (gěi): This is a phono-semantic compound character, meaning one part gives the sound and the other gives the meaning.
    • 纟(sī): This is the “silk” radical. In ancient China, silk was a valuable commodity and a common gift. This radical hints at the core idea of providing or bestowing something of value.
    • 合 (hé): This component means “to combine” or “to join.” It provides the phonetic sound for the character and reinforces the meaning of joining something (the gift) with someone (the recipient).
  • Together, 纟(silk) + 合 (combine) create the concept of giving something valuable by joining it to another person.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • While 给 (gěi) is a simple grammatical word, its use in gift-giving (送给 - sòng gěi) taps into deep cultural values. In Chinese culture, giving and receiving are not merely transactions; they are fundamental acts of relationship-building.
  • Unlike in some Western contexts where a simple “thank you” can conclude the exchange, receiving a favor or gift in China often creates a sense of 人情 (rénqíng), or a social obligation to reciprocate in the future. The act of “giving” (给) is often the first step in this ongoing cycle of mutual support and favor exchange, which is central to building strong 关系 (guānxi), or relationships.
  • Therefore, when someone “gives” you their time, help, or a gift, it's often more than a one-time act; it's an investment in the social fabric connecting you both. Understanding this adds depth to even simple sentences like “他给了我很多帮助” (He gave me a lot of help).

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • 给 (gěi) is used constantly in daily life. Its function changes based on its position in the sentence.
  • 1. As a Main Verb: “to give”
    • This is the most straightforward usage. The structure is: `Subject + 给 + Recipient + Object`.
    • It's used for giving physical objects, abstract concepts, or information.
    • Example: 我给你这本书。 (Wǒ gěi nǐ zhè běn shū.) - I give you this book.
  • 2. As a Preposition/Coverb: “for” or “to”
    • This is extremely common. It indicates that an action is performed for someone's benefit or directed at them. The structure is: `Subject + 给 + Recipient + Verb Phrase`.
    • This structure is key for sounding natural.
    • Example: 我妈妈给我做饭。(Wǒ māma gěi wǒ zuòfàn.) - My mom cooks for me.
    • Example: 他给我打电话。(Tā gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà.) - He calls me.
  • 3. As a Passive Marker: “by”
    • In this structure, 给 indicates that the subject received an action from an agent. It's often used in colloquial speech and can carry a slightly negative connotation, similar to 被 (bèi). The structure is: `Object + 给 + Agent + Verb Phrase`.
    • Example: 我的自行车给人偷了。(Wǒ de zìxíngchē gěi rén tōu le.) - My bike was stolen (by someone).

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 他给了我一本书。
    • Pinyin: Tā gěi le wǒ yī běn shū.
    • English: He gave me a book.
    • Analysis: This is the most basic use of 给 as a verb meaning “to give.” The structure is Subject + 给 + Recipient + Object.
  • Example 2:
    • 你能给我你的电话号码吗？
    • Pinyin: Nǐ néng gěi wǒ nǐ de diànhuà hàomǎ ma?
    • English: Can you give me your phone number?
    • Analysis: Here, 给 is used as a verb in a common question format for requesting something.
  • Example 3:
    • 我每个周末都给家里打电话。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ měi ge zhōumò dōu gěi jiālǐ dǎ diànhuà.
    • English: I call home every weekend.
    • Analysis: A classic example of 给 as a preposition. The action “call” (打电话) is directed “to” home (家里). The structure `给 + Recipient + Verb` is crucial here.
  • Example 4:
    • 老师在给学生们上课。
    • Pinyin: Lǎoshī zài gěi xuéshēngmen shàngkè.
    • English: The teacher is giving a class to the students.
    • Analysis: This shows the prepositional use of 给 to mean “for” or “to.” The action of “holding class” (上课) is for the benefit of the students.
  • Example 5:
    • 我的手机给弟弟弄坏了。
    • Pinyin: Wǒ de shǒujī gěi dìdi nòng huài le.
    • English: My cellphone was broken by my little brother.
    • Analysis: This demonstrates the passive structure. The subject (my cellphone) received the action (broken) from the agent (my little brother). This use is common in spoken Chinese.
  • Example 6:
    • 窗户给风吹开了。
    • Pinyin: Chuānghu gěi fēng chuī kāi le.
    • English: The window was blown open by the wind.
    • Analysis: Another passive example. Here, the agent is inanimate (the wind). This structure is more colloquial than using 被 (bèi).
  • Example 7:
    • 给我一杯水，谢谢。
    • Pinyin: Gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ, xièxie.
    • English: Give me a glass of water, please.
    • Analysis: Used as a command or polite request. The subject “you” (你) is omitted, which is common in commands.
  • Example 8:
    • 你给我解释一下这是什么意思。
    • Pinyin: Nǐ gěi wǒ jiěshì yīxià zhè shì shénme yìsi.
    • English: Explain to me what this means.
    • Analysis: This sentence uses 给 to direct the action of “explaining” (解释) to the speaker (“me”). It adds a sense of directness and can be a command or a strong request.
  • Example 9:
    • 请把那本书给他。
    • Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ nà běn shū gěi tā.
    • English: Please give that book to him.
    • Analysis: Here, 给 is used in a `把 (bǎ)` sentence. It acts as a result complement, indicating where the object (the book) ends up.
  • Example 10:
    • 他给我的印象很不错。
    • Pinyin: Tā gěi wǒ de yìnxiàng hěn bùcuò.
    • English: The impression he gave me was very good.
    • Analysis: A more abstract use. “The impression” (印象) is the object that “he” (他) “gave” (给) “me” (我). This is a very common fixed phrase.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • 1. Confusing `给 (gěi)` with `送 (sòng)`:
    • While both can mean “give,” they have different nuances.
    • `给 (gěi)` is the general, all-purpose verb for giving. You can `给` someone advice, a call, an idea, or a book.
    • `送 (sòng)` specifically means “to give as a gift” or “to deliver/escort.”
    • Correct: 我给你一些建议。(Wǒ gěi nǐ yīxiē jiànyì.) - I'll give you some advice.
    • Incorrect: 我送你一些建议。 (Advice is not a physical gift.)
    • Correct: 生日的时候，他送给我一个礼物。(Shēngrì de shíhòu, tā sòng gěi wǒ yī ge lǐwù.) - He gave me a present for my birthday. (Using `送给` emphasizes the gift-giving nature).
  • 2. Word Order for Prepositional `给`:
    • English speakers often put the `给` phrase after the verb, mimicking English structure. This is usually incorrect in Mandarin.
    • Incorrect: 我打电话给你。 (Wǒ dǎ diànhuà gěi nǐ.) - While sometimes heard in colloquial speech, it's not standard.
    • Correct: 我给你打电话。 (Wǒ gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.) - The `给 + Recipient` phrase should come *before* the verb.
  • 3. `给` vs. `被 (bèi)` for Passive Voice:
    • Both `给` and `被` can create passive sentences, but they have different flavors.
    • `被 (bèi)` is the standard, more formal passive marker. It can be used in neutral, positive, or negative contexts and is common in writing.
    • `给 (gěi)` as a passive marker is more colloquial and informal. It is almost always used for unfortunate or negative events.
    • Both OK: 我的蛋糕给他吃了。(Wǒ de dàngāo gěi tā chī le.) - My cake was eaten by him. (Informal, sounds like a complaint).
    • Both OK: 我的蛋糕被他吃了。(Wǒ de dàngāo bèi tā chī le.) - My cake was eaten by him. (More neutral/formal statement of fact).

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 送 (sòng) - To give (as a gift); to deliver. More specific than 给, focusing on the act of presenting or transporting.
  • 交 (jiāo) - To hand over, submit, deliver (e.g., homework, a report). More formal and implies a transfer of responsibility.
  • 递 (dì) - To pass or hand over something physically, usually over a short distance.
  • 被 (bèi) - The primary passive voice marker, often seen as the more formal counterpart to passive 给.
  • 为 (wèi) - For, for the sake of. A more formal preposition than 给 when expressing purpose or benefit. (e.g., 为人民服务 - wéi rénmín fúwù - Serve the people).
  • 让 (ràng) - To let, to allow. Can also be used colloquially as a passive marker, similar to 给 and 被.
  • 借给 (jiè gěi) - A specific verb compound: “to lend to”.
  • 送给 (sòng gěi) - A common verb compound: “to give to (as a gift)”.
  • 人情 (rénqíng) - Social obligation or human favor, a concept often initiated by the act of giving (给).