Meanings of 给
By ear
Play it, then pick what 给 means.
About 给
Podcast: 给
Podcast: 给
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Drill the tone of 给 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 给 to You
Let me explain 给 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 给 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 给?
Learning Lab
Knowing 给 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
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
Origin
给 = 纟 + 合. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 给
Parts
Which of these is part of 给?
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我____你一本书。
I'll give you a book.
Example Sentences for 给 (28)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 给?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 给
Words with 给
What does 给予 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 给
No, 给 is typically used in informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using 给予 (jǐyǔ).
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 给?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.