Preposition: 将 (Formal 把)
介词引出施事受事：将
Use 将 as a formal written equivalent of 把 to indicate disposal or handling of an object
将 functions identically to 把 in grammar — it introduces the object before the verb to show that the subject acts upon or disposes of the object. The difference is purely stylistic: 将 is formal, literary, and used in written Chinese.
将 as a preposition (formal 把) is different from 将 as a time adverb (will/about to). Context makes the meaning clear: if 将 is followed by a noun + verb, it is the preposition; if followed directly by a verb, it is the time adverb.
Lesson Targets
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Podcast: Preposition: 将 (Formal 把) (介词引出施事受事：将)
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Understanding 介词引出施事受事：将
You already know 把 — the preposition that moves the object before the verb to show the subject is doing something to it or disposing of it. Now meet its formal twin: 将 (jiāng). In grammar, 将 works exactly like 把. In register, 将 belongs to written Chinese, official documents, news reports, and literary prose. You would never say 将盐递给我 (pass me the salt) at the dinner table — that is 把盐递给我 territory. But in a news article, you might read 警方将嫌疑人逮捕了 (The police arrested the suspect). In a sign, you might see 禁止将食物带入图书馆 (It is forbidden to bring food into the library). Understanding 将 as formal 把 is essential for reading Chinese at an advanced level, and using it in your own writing will make your essays and formal communications sound polished and professional.
Key Points
- 将 (jiāng) = formal equivalent of 把 — introduces the object before the verb.
- Grammar is identical to 把: 主语 + 将 + 宾语 + 动词 + 补语/结果.
- 将 is used in written Chinese, news, official documents, and literary prose.
- 把 is used in spoken Chinese and casual contexts.
- Do not confuse 将 (preposition, formal 把) with 将 (adverb, will/about to).
- Common in signs and rules: 禁止将…… (It is forbidden to ……).
Chinese has a strong distinction between spoken (口语) and written (书面语) registers. Using 将 instead of 把 in writing is not just a stylistic choice — it signals education, formality, and respect for the written tradition. This distinction is similar to how English uses "shall" in legal documents but "will" in conversation.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
父母将他送到中国留学。
His parents sent him to China to study.
Formal written style — spoken version would use 把
禁止将书带出阅览室。
It is forbidden to take books out of the reading room.
Official signage language
公司将这个项目交给了他。
The company entrusted this project to him.
他将自己的经历写成了一本书。
He wrote his experiences into a book.
老师将学生分成三个小组。
The teacher divided the students into three groups.
请将手机调为静音模式。
Please switch your phone to silent mode.
Formal announcement style
政府将这块土地规划为公园。
The government designated this piece of land as a park.
Common Mistakes
将 is too formal for casual speech about eating. In conversation, always use 把. Save 将 for writing and formal contexts.
将, like 把, requires a verb that acts upon or changes the object. 喜欢 (to like) does not dispose of or change anything — it cannot take 将 or 把.
Be clear about which 将 you mean. 将 + verb (no object in between) = future tense adverb. 将 + object + verb = formal 把 preposition.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Rule of thumb: if you would use 把 in speech, you can use 将 in writing. The grammar is identical.
Look for 将 in Chinese news articles — once you start noticing it, you will see it everywhere.
Practice converting 把 sentences to 将 sentences: 我把门关了 → 我将门关上了.
Remember the two 将s: 将 + noun + verb = formal 把; 将 + verb (no noun in between) = will/about to.
Homework
Rewrite five 把 sentences from your previous homework or textbook into formal 将 sentences. Then write three original sentences using 将 that might appear in a news article, official notice, or formal letter.
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