Double Object Sentences
双宾语句
Use verbs that take two objects — an indirect object (person) and a direct object (thing)
Certain verbs like 给, 送, 教, 借 can take two objects: the first is usually a person (indirect object) and the second is a thing (direct object). Some verbs require 给 to be inserted between the verb and the indirect object.
The most common double-object verbs are 给 (give), 送 (give as a gift), 教 (teach), 借 (lend/borrow), 告诉 (tell), and 问 (ask). When using 送给, 借给, etc., 给 is fused with the verb to emphasize the transfer direction.
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Podcast: Double Object Sentences (双宾语句)
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Understanding 双宾语句
In English you say "I gave her a book" — "her" is the indirect object and "a book" is the direct object. Chinese works similarly. Some verbs naturally take two objects: 我给妹妹一本书 (I gave my younger sister a book). The person comes first, then the thing. For some verbs you need to add 给 after the verb to show the direction of transfer: 朋友借给我一千块钱 (A friend lent me 1,000 yuan). The pattern 动词+给 makes it crystal clear who receives what. This is one of those grammar points that feels natural once you get it — think "verb + WHO + WHAT" and you are golden.
Key Points
- 主语 + 动词 + 宾语1（人）+ 宾语2（物）— the basic double object pattern.
- Common verbs: 给 (give), 送 (gift), 教 (teach), 告诉 (tell), 问 (ask).
- 动词 + 给 + 人 + 物 — used with 送给, 借给, 还给, 卖给, etc.
- The indirect object (person) ALWAYS comes before the direct object (thing).
- 给 can be both a standalone verb ("give") and a complement marker showing transfer.
- Not all verbs can take double objects — only transfer/communication verbs work this way.
- When asking questions: 你送了她什么？(What did you give her?)
Gift-giving is deeply woven into Chinese culture. Using 送给 correctly is important for social interactions — whether it is 送给朋友一个生日礼物 (giving a friend a birthday gift) or 送给老师一束花 (giving the teacher flowers). The act of giving carries significant social meaning.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我给妹妹一本书。
I gave my younger sister a book.
Basic double object: person + thing
爸爸送我一辆汽车。
Dad gave me a car (as a gift).
朋友借给我一千块钱。
A friend lent me 1,000 yuan.
姐姐送给我一个手机。
My older sister gave me a phone.
老师教我们中文。
The teacher teaches us Chinese.
他告诉我一件事。
He told me something.
我还给他三百块钱。
I returned 300 yuan to him.
妈妈给我一杯牛奶。
Mom gave me a glass of milk.
Common Mistakes
The person (indirect object) must come before the thing (direct object). It is always "give WHO WHAT," not "give WHAT WHO."
给 attaches directly to the verb (借给), not after the person. The structure is 动词+给+人+物.
Even with 了, the person comes before the thing: 问了我一个问题.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think "verb + WHO + WHAT" — the person always comes before the thing.
When in doubt about whether to use 给 after the verb, ask yourself: does the sentence need to emphasize WHO receives it? If yes, add 给.
Practice with daily scenarios: 给我一杯咖啡 (Give me a coffee), 借给你我的笔 (Lend you my pen).
The verbs 告诉 and 问 never need 给 — they naturally take double objects.
Homework
Write eight sentences using double objects. Use at least four different verbs (给, 送, 借, 教, 告诉, 还). Make sure half use the 动词+给 pattern and half use the direct double object pattern.
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