给 (passive voice)

• Pinyin: gěi
• Formation: Receiver + 给 + Doer + Verb Phrase
• Hanzi breakdown: 给 = 纟(silk) + 合 (combine)

Meaning

The word 给 (gěi) can function as a passive marker similar to 被, indicating that the subject receives or undergoes an action performed by someone else. This colloquial passive usage is especially common in spoken Mandarin.

While 被 is the standard passive marker in Mandarin, 给 serves the same grammatical function in informal speech, particularly in northern dialects. The 给-passive often carries a stronger emotional coloring than 被 — it frequently expresses displeasure, surprise, helplessness, or that the outcome was undesirable, though neutral uses exist as well. Unlike 被, which can freely omit the doer, the 给-passive more commonly includes the agent performing the action. In formal writing and official contexts, 被 remains the preferred choice. Learners should note that 给 has multiple functions (to give, for the benefit of, passive marker), and context determines the meaning.

Examples

1. 我的自行车给人偷走了。 My bicycle was stolen by someone.
2. 他精心准备的方案给领导否决了。 The proposal he carefully prepared was rejected by the manager.
3. 桌上的蛋糕给孩子们吃光了。 The cake on the table was eaten up by the children.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, everyday

Tone: emotional

Do Say

• 我新买的手机给弟弟摔坏了，气死我了。
• 放在冰箱里的牛奶给室友喝完了。
• 他辛辛苦苦攒的钱给骗子骗走了一大半。
• 院子里的花给大雨打折了好几株。

Don't Say

• 这个奖项给他获得了。 (给-passive implies the subject is affected negatively or unexpectedly — receiving an award is positive and volitional, use 被 or active voice) → 这个奖项被他获得了。
• 我给了他打了一顿。 (给 as passive marker cannot take 了 directly after it — remove 了 after 给) → 我给他打了一顿。
• 报告给已经提交了。 (给-passive requires a doer — the agent performing the action must appear between 给 and the verb) → 报告给秘书提交了。

Origin & History

The passive use of 给 developed from its core meaning of 'to give' through grammaticalization. In northern Chinese dialects, 给 became a passive marker by extension of the idea that the subject 'gives' or 'allows' the action to happen to them.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal