把

• Pinyin: bǎ
• Hanzi breakdown: 把 = 扌(hand) + 巴 (to cling), originally meaning to grasp

Meaning

A preposition used to bring the object before the verb, emphasising the action done to it. One of the most important grammatical markers in Chinese.

The 把 construction (把 + object + verb) is used when the action results in a change to the object — moving it, changing its state, or disposing of it. Essential for expressing completed or resultative actions.

Examples

1. 请你把门关上。 Please close the door.
2. 他把作业做完了。 He finished his homework.
3. 妈妈把饭菜放在桌子上了。 Mom put the food on the table.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, grammar

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请把窗户打开。(Please open the window.)
• 我把钥匙忘在家里了。(I left my keys at home.)

Don't Say

• 把他喜欢 (Don't use 把 with stative verbs like 喜欢 or 知道 — 把 requires an action that changes or affects the object)

Origin & History

Originally meant 'to hold' or 'to grasp' (still used this way in some contexts). Grammaticalised into a disposal marker indicating action upon an object.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal