Meanings of 给
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About 给
Podcast: 给
Podcast: 给
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AI Study Notes for 给
送 (sòng) - use 给 (gěi) when emphasizing the act of giving for someone's benefit, while 送 (sòng) focuses on the act of delivering or sending.
Common mistakes include using 给 in formal contexts where 给予 (jǐyǔ) might be more appropriate. It is informal, so avoid using it in highly formal writing. '给' often collocates with verbs to indicate the action being done for someone, e.g., 给我 (gěi wǒ) meaning 'give me'.
As an HSK Level 2 word, 给 often appears alongside other fundamental vocabulary related to actions and possession. Students should practice its usage in sentences to reinforce its dual function as a verb and a grammatical marker.
Learners often confuse 给 with 给予, using it in overly formal sentences. For example, avoid saying 给您这个文件 in a formal context; instead use 给予您这个文件.
Pronunciation of 给
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Etymology of 给
Simplified form of 給. Phonosemantic compound. 糹 represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. The 糸 (silk) component is used because silk is a precious material often given as a gift.
thread
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 给
Simplified form of 給. Phonosemantic compound. 糹 represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. The 糸 (silk) component is used because silk is a precious material often given as a gift.
- 1The meaning half纟 carries the sense.
- 2The sound half合 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
- 3The giveawaythread
- 4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 给? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 给
Identify the Components
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How to say to in Chinese
“to” in Chinese is给
The character 给 (gěi) primarily means 'to give' or 'to provide'. It is commonly used in contexts where something is supplied to someone or for someone's benefit. Additionally, it can function as a grammatical marker in passive constructions, indicating an action done for someone else.
When to use 给
Common mistakes include using 给 in formal contexts where 给予 (jǐyǔ) might be more appropriate. It is informal, so avoid using it in highly formal writing. '给' often collocates with verbs to indicate the action being done for someone, e.g., 给我 (gěi wǒ) meaning 'give me'.
给 or something close to it
送 (sòng) - use 给 (gěi) when emphasizing the act of giving for someone's benefit, while 送 (sòng) focuses on the act of delivering or sending.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 给 with 给予, using it in overly formal sentences. For example, avoid saying 给您这个文件 in a formal context; instead use 给予您这个文件.
Write 给
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Practice writing 给 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 给
给 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
我____你一本书。
I'll give you a book.
Example Sentences for 给 (28)
Word Family of 给
Compound Meaning
What does 给 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 给
No, 给 is typically used in informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using 给予 (jǐyǔ).
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