Verb + 给 (transfer)

• Pinyin: gěi
• Formation: Subject + Verb + 给 + Recipient + Object
• Hanzi breakdown: 给 = 纟(silk) + 合 (join)

Meaning

When 给 (gěi) follows a verb, it indicates that the action results in something being transferred to someone. The pattern specifies both the action and the recipient.

The Verb + 给 structure is used when an action involves transferring something to a recipient. Common verb combinations include 送给 (give as a gift), 卖给 (sell to), 借给 (lend to), 递给 (pass to), and 寄给 (mail to). This structure has two word orders: 'Verb + 给 + Recipient + Object' and '把 + Object + Verb + 给 + Recipient.' Learners should distinguish this from 给 used as a standalone verb meaning 'to give' and from 给 used as a preposition before a verb meaning 'for (someone's benefit).' The Verb + 给 pattern emphasizes the transfer aspect of the action.

Examples

1. 她送给我一束花。 She gave me a bouquet of flowers.
2. 我把这本书借给了同事。 I lent this book to my colleague.
3. 请把盐递给我。 Please pass the salt to me.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 她把照片发给了所有同学。
• 老师把作业发给了学生。
• 我想把这个礼物送给你。

Don't Say

• 她送了我给一束花。(给 must come directly after the verb, not after the recipient — the correct order is Verb + 给 + Recipient + Object) → 她送给我一束花。
• 我借给了他给一本书。(Do not use 给 twice — one 给 after the verb is sufficient to mark the recipient) → 我借给了他一本书。

Origin & History

The character 给 originally meant 'to supply' or 'to provide.' Its use after verbs to mark the recipient of a transfer developed naturally from this core meaning. In modern Chinese, 给 functions both as a full verb and as a grammatical particle indicating direction of transfer.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal