给 (passive voice)

• 拼音: gěi
• 结构: Receiver + 给 + Doer + Verb Phrase
• 汉字拆解: 给 = 纟(silk) + 合 (combine)

含义

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.

例句

1. 我的自行车给人偷走了。
2. 他精心准备的方案给领导否决了。
3. 桌上的蛋糕给孩子们吃光了。

用法指南

语境: spoken, everyday

语气: emotional

正确说法

• 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。

错误说法

• 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。

起源与历史

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.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal