sòng: 送 - to give (as a gift); to send; to see someone off; to deliver

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• Summary: The Chinese verb 送 (sòng) is a fundamental and versatile word that means much more than just “to send.” It encompasses the heartfelt act of giving a gift, the respectful ritual of seeing a guest off, the modern convenience of delivering food or packages, and the kind gesture of giving someone a ride. Understanding 送 (sòng) is key to navigating everyday social interactions in China, revealing cultural values of respect, hospitality, and personal connection.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): sòng
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: To give (as a gift), to send, to deliver, or to see someone off.
• In a Nutshell: 送 (sòng) is an action verb that always implies movement and transfer. Think of it as physically moving a person or an object from one place to another. This could be handing a gift to a friend (transferring the gift to them), walking a guest to the door (moving them towards their departure), or a delivery driver bringing you food (moving the food to you). It carries a warmer, more personal connotation than just “to give” or “to send.”

• 送: The character is a combination of two radicals.
• 辶 (chuò): This is the “walk” or “movement” radical. It's found in many characters related to motion, travel, or distance, like 进 (jìn - to enter) and 远 (yuǎn - far). Its presence immediately signals that 送 involves movement.
• The rest of the character (related to 关 guān): This part provides the sound and a hint of meaning. It's associated with “passing through” or “accompanying.”
• Combined Meaning: The character vividly paints a picture of “walking to accompany” or “moving something to transfer it.” This perfectly captures all of its core meanings: walking with a friend to see them off, moving a gift into someone's hands, or a courier moving a package to your doorstep.

The verb 送 (sòng) is deeply embedded in Chinese social rituals and reveals key cultural values.

• Gift-Giving (送礼物 sòng lǐwù): In Western cultures, one might “get” or “buy” someone a gift. In Chinese, the emphasis is on the action of 送 (sòng)—the personal presentation of the gift. To simply mail a present can feel impersonal. The act of personally handing over the gift (送) is part of the gift itself, as it shows effort, sincerity, and respect. It's a fundamental way to build and maintain 关系 (guānxi), or social relationships.
• Seeing Someone Off (送人 sòng rén): This is a crucial aspect of Chinese hospitality. In the West, a host might say goodbye at the door. In China, it's common and considered polite for the host to 送 (sòng) the guest much further—to the elevator, to their car, or even to the entrance of the apartment complex. This act isn't just a formality; it physically demonstrates reluctance to part (依依不舍 - yīyī bùshě) and shows that you treasure the guest's company. Failing to properly 送 an important guest can be seen as rude or dismissive. This ritual highlights the cultural importance placed on showing respect and valuing personal connections.

This is the most common use for social occasions. You 送 gifts for birthdays, weddings, and holidays. `e.g., 他送给我一条很漂亮的项链。 (Tā sòng gěi wǒ yī tiáo hěn piàoliang de xiàngliàn.) - He gave me a very beautiful necklace.`

This can range from a casual goodbye to a formal farewell. `e.g., 我要去机场送我的朋友。 (Wǒ yào qù jīchǎng sòng wǒ de péngyǒu.) - I'm going to the airport to see my friend off.` `e.g., 不用送了，你回去吧。 (Búyòng sòng le, nǐ huíqù ba.) - No need to see me out, you can go back inside. (A polite phrase a guest might say).`

With the rise of the digital economy, this usage is ubiquitous in daily life. `e.g., 您的外卖已经送到了。 (Nín de wàimài yǐjīng sòng dào le.) - Your food delivery has arrived.`

This refers to giving someone a ride in a vehicle. `e.g., 太晚了，我开车送你回家吧。 (Tài wǎn le, wǒ kāichē sòng nǐ huí jiā ba.) - It's too late, let me drive you home.`

• Example 1:
• 我朋友下个星期过生日，我不知道应该送他什么礼物。
• Pinyin: Wǒ péngyǒu xià ge xīngqī guò shēngrì, wǒ bù zhīdào yīnggāi sòng tā shénme lǐwù.
• English: My friend's birthday is next week, I don't know what gift I should give him.
• Analysis: This is the classic use of 送 for giving a gift (送礼物). It implies the act of presenting the gift.
• Example 2:
• A: 谢谢你的晚餐！ B: 别客气，我送你到楼下。
• Pinyin: A: Xièxiè nǐ de wǎncān! B: Bié kèqì, wǒ sòng nǐ dào lóu xià.
• English: A: Thanks for dinner! B: You're welcome, I'll see you downstairs.
• Analysis: Here, 送 is used for the social ritual of seeing a guest off, showing hospitality.
• Example 3:
• 外面在下大雨，我送你去地铁站吧。
• Pinyin: Wàimiàn zài xià dàyǔ, wǒ sòng nǐ qù dìtiězhàn ba.
• English: It's raining hard outside, let me take you to the subway station.
• Analysis: 送 here means to give someone a ride or escort them somewhere, usually as a kind gesture.
• Example 4:
• 你好，你的外卖送到了，请出来拿一下。
• Pinyin: Nǐ hǎo, nǐ de wàimài sòng dào le, qǐng chūlái ná yīxià.
• English: Hello, your food delivery has arrived, please come out and get it.
• Analysis: This demonstrates the modern, commercial use of 送 for delivery services.
• Example 5:
• 妈妈每天早上都要送孩子去学校。
• Pinyin: Māma měitiān zǎoshang dōu yào sòng háizi qù xuéxiào.
• English: Mom has to take the kids to school every morning.
• Analysis: This is similar to giving a ride, but focuses on the routine of taking someone (especially a child or dependent) to a place.
• Example 6:
• 我要去机场送我的父母回国。
• Pinyin: Wǒ yào qù jīchǎng sòng wǒ de fùmǔ huí guó.
• English: I'm going to the airport to see my parents off on their trip back home.
• Analysis: This is a more formal and emotional use of 送, implying a longer separation. The act of “seeing off” is very important here.
• Example 7:
• 这份重要的文件必须今天下午送到客户公司。
• Pinyin: Zhè fèn zhòngyào de wénjiàn bìxū jīntiān xiàwǔ sòng dào kèhù gōngsī.
• English: This important document must be delivered to the client's company this afternoon.
• Analysis: This shows 送 in a professional/business context for delivering physical items.
• Example 8:
• 在我最困难的时候，他送给了我一句鼓励的话。
• Pinyin: Zài wǒ zuì kùnnán de shíhòu, tā sòng gěi le wǒ yí jù gǔlì de huà.
• English: When I was at my most difficult time, he gave me a word of encouragement.
• Analysis: This is a metaphorical use. The “word of encouragement” is treated like a precious gift being delivered to the speaker.
• Example 9:
• 这家店有送货上门的服务吗？
• Pinyin: Zhè jiā diàn yǒu sòng huò shàng mén de fúwù ma?
• English: Does this store have a home delivery service?
• Analysis: Here, 送 is part of a common compound word, 送货 (sòng huò), which specifically means “to deliver goods.”
• Example 10:
• 你这么做简直是去送死！
• Pinyin: Nǐ zhème zuò jiǎnzhí shì qù sòng sǐ!
• English: Doing that is simply going to get yourself killed! (Literally: “going to deliver [yourself to] death”)
• Analysis: A powerful, negative use. 送死 (sòngsǐ) is a set phrase meaning “to court death” or go on a suicide mission. It shows how 送 can mean to “deliver” someone to a bad fate.

• 送 (sòng) vs. 给 (gěi): The Gift vs. The Transfer
• 给 (gěi) is the general verb for “to give.” It's neutral and transactional. `我给你钱。` (Wǒ gěi nǐ qián.) - I give you money.
• 送 (sòng) is used specifically for gifts or when you want to add a layer of warmth, ceremony, or personal effort. `我送你一个礼物。` (Wǒ sòng nǐ yí ge lǐwù.) - I am giving you a gift.
• Common Mistake: Using 给 for presenting a gift can sound a bit blunt, as if it's a simple transaction. Using 送 is almost always better for gifts. You can also combine them: `我送给你…` (Wǒ sòng gěi nǐ…), which emphasizes both the act of presenting and the giving.
• 送 (sòng) vs. 发 (fā): The Physical vs. The Digital
• 送 (sòng) is used for sending physical things or people.
• 发 (fā) is used for sending digital or mass communications. Think emails, text messages, or posts.
• Common Mistake: `我送你一个电子邮件。` (Incorrect)
• Correct: `我给你发一个电子邮件。` (Wǒ gěi nǐ fā yí ge diànzǐ yóujiàn.) - I'll send you an email.
• Rule of thumb: If you can't physically touch it or walk with it, you probably need to use 发 (fā), not 送 (sòng).

• 礼物 (lǐwù) - Gift; the item that is typically the object of the verb 送.
• 给 (gěi) - To give; a more general, neutral verb. 送 is a more specific and often warmer type of 给.
• 发 (fā) - To send (digitally); the verb used for emails, texts, and other non-physical transmissions.
• 接 (jiē) - To pick someone up; the direct antonym of 送 when it means “to take someone somewhere” or “see someone off.” (You 送 someone to the airport, and their friend 接s them when they land).
• 送行 (sòngxíng) - To see someone off (on a journey); a more formal and specific version of just 送 in this context.
• 送别 (sòngbié) - To bid farewell; a more literary and emotional term for saying goodbye to someone who is leaving.
• 外卖 (wàimài) - Takeout/food delivery; the service that 送s food to your home.
• 快递 (kuàidì) - Express delivery/courier; the service that 送s packages.