Meanings of 给
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About 给
Podcast: 给
Podcast: 给
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AI Study Notes for 给
送 (sòng) - use 给 (gěi) when emphasizing the act of giving for someone's benefit, while 送 (sòng) focuses on the act of delivering or sending.
Imagine giving a gift (给) to a friend. The character looks like a person (亻) offering something with a hand (给) to another. Remember 'gěi' sounds like 'gay', envision a happy person giving gifts at a party!
Common mistakes include using 给 in formal contexts where 给予 (jǐyǔ) might be more appropriate. It is informal, so avoid using it in highly formal writing. '给' often collocates with verbs to indicate the action being done for someone, e.g., 给我 (gěi wǒ) meaning 'give me'.
As an HSK Level 2 word, 给 often appears alongside other fundamental vocabulary related to actions and possession. Students should practice its usage in sentences to reinforce its dual function as a verb and a grammatical marker.
In Chinese culture, the act of giving (给) is deeply significant, often linked to social relationships and respect. For instance, giving gifts during festivals is a common practice to express goodwill and strengthen bonds.
Learners often confuse 给 with 给予, using it in overly formal sentences. For example, avoid saying 给您这个文件 in a formal context; instead use 给予您这个文件.
Pronunciation of 给
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Etymology of 给
Simplified form of 給. Phonosemantic compound. 糹 represents the meaning and 合 represents the sound. The 糸 (silk) component is used because silk is a precious material often given as a gift.
thread
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 给?
Decomposition of 给
Identify the Components
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Write 给
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Practice writing 给 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 给
给 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 13 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
我____你一本书。
I'll give you a book.
Example Sentences for 给 (10)
Cultural Notes for 给
In Chinese culture, the act of giving (给) is deeply significant, often linked to social relationships and respect. For instance, giving gifts during festivals is a common practice to express goodwill and strengthen bonds.
Word Family of 给
Compound Meaning
What does 给 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 给
No, 给 is typically used in informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using 给予 (jǐyǔ).