How to use 给
Subj. + 给 + Target + [Verb Phrase]
A 给 phrase before an action can identify the person the action is directed toward. In communication patterns, it names who receives the call, letter, or reply. Put the target immediately after 给, then complete the action phrase. This arrangement is common in everyday speech and is useful beyond the literal verb meaning give.
The action can have its own object, such as the kind of message being sent. Keep that object with the relevant verb rather than confusing it with the target after 给. Some verbs also allow 给 after them, but those patterns depend on the particular verb. Learn the ordinary position for the combination you are using.
Examples with pinyin and English
现在不要给他打电话。
Don't give him a phone call now.
请快点给我回邮件。
Please hurry up and reply to my email.
他说他会给我写信的。
He said he would write letters to me.
你可以给大家读一下吗？
Could you please read it for everybody?
What to remember
- Put the target after 给.
- Keep the action phrase after the 给 phrase.
- Postverbal 给 depends on the verb.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.