送给

• Pinyin: sòng gěi
• Hanzi breakdown: 送 = 辶 (walk) + 关 (close, phonetic), meaning 'to give/deliver'; 给 = 纟(silk) + 合 (combine, phonetic), meaning 'to give/for'

Meaning

To give (as a gift) to. To present something to someone as a gift.

A directional complement verb (送 + 给) that specifically means giving something as a present or gift. Unlike 给 alone (which is neutral about the nature of the giving), 送给 implies a gift or generous act. Very common in contexts of birthdays, holidays, and expressing generosity.

Examples

1. 她送给我一本书。 She gave me a book as a gift.
2. 这个蛋糕是朋友送给我的。 This cake was a gift from a friend.
3. 你打算送给妈妈什么礼物？ What gift are you planning to give Mom?

Usage Guide

Context: gifts, celebrations, relationships

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 我想送给你一件小礼物。(I'd like to give you a small gift.)
• 这幅画是老师送给我的。(This painting was given to me by my teacher.)

Don't Say

• 不要在不合适的场合随便说'送给你' (Don't casually say 送给你 in a business or professional context — it could be misunderstood; use 赠送 for formal gift-giving occasions)

Origin & History

送 (sòng, to give/deliver) + 给 (gěi, to/for). Together they specifically convey the act of presenting a gift to someone.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal