Advanced 把-Sentences: Disposal
"把"字句2：表处置
Use advanced 把-sentence patterns including reduplicated verbs, resultative complements with 了/着, and measure complements
Three advanced 把-sentence patterns: (1) with reduplicated verbs for a casual/brief action, (2) with 了 (completed) or 着 (sustained state), optionally using 给, and (3) with measure complements indicating frequency or duration.
All three patterns share the core 把 structure (S + 把 + O + V + other elements). The key is what comes after the verb: reduplicated verb, aspect particles, or measure complements.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Advanced 把-Sentences: Disposal ("把"字句2：表处置)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the "把"字句2：表处置 pattern
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Understanding "把"字句2：表处置
You learned basic 把-sentences earlier — now it is time to level up. The 把 construction "disposes of" the object, doing something to it and changing its state. At HSK 4, you encounter three powerful extensions. First, reduplicated verbs with 把: 把试卷检查检查 means "give the exam paper a check" — the reduplication softens the action and makes it casual. Second, 把 with 了 (completion) or 着 (ongoing state): 把生词都忘了 (forgot all the vocabulary) or 把护照带着 (keep your passport on you). The optional 给 before the verb adds emphasis or a colloquial feel. Third, 把 with measure complements: 把他批评了一顿 (gave him a scolding), 把文章读了好几遍 (read the article several times). These patterns let you describe exactly how thoroughly, how many times, or for how long something was done to the object.
Key Points
- Pattern 1: 把 + O + V一V / V了V — reduplicated verb for brief, casual action.
- Pattern 2: 把 + O (+给) + V了 (completed) or V着 (sustained) — disposal with result.
- Pattern 3: 把 + O + V + measure complement — quantifying the action on the object.
- 给 in Pattern 2 is optional and adds a colloquial, emphatic tone.
- Reduplication (检查检查, 擦一擦) softens the request — sounds friendlier.
- Measure complements include 动量 (一顿, 好几遍) and 时量 (好几天, 一个小时).
- The 把 object must be specific/definite — never use 把 with indefinite objects.
The 把-sentence is sometimes called the "disposal construction" because it describes how the subject handles or deals with the object. This handling-focused view is very Chinese — the emphasis is on what happens to the thing, not just what the person does. It reflects a practical, result-oriented communication style.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
同学们再把试卷检查检查。
Students, please check the exam paper once more.
Pattern 1: Reduplicated verb — casual/brief
我把桌子擦一擦。
Let me give the table a wipe.
Pattern 1: V一V reduplication
他把冬天的衣服晒了晒，收在箱子里。
He aired out the winter clothes a bit and put them in the box.
他把学过的生词都忘了。
He forgot all the vocabulary he had learned.
Pattern 2: V + 了 (completed)
你帮他把这些东西给拿着。
Help him hold these things.
Pattern 2: 给 + V + 着 (sustained)
你别忘了把护照带着。
Do not forget to keep your passport on you.
Pattern 2: V + 着 (sustained state)
老师把他批评了一顿。
The teacher gave him a scolding.
Pattern 3: V + measure complement
他把文章读了好几遍。
He read the article quite a few times.
Pattern 3: V + frequency complement
他把这个问题认真地考虑了好几天。
He seriously considered this problem for several days.
Pattern 3: V + duration complement
Common Mistakes
The object after 把 must be specific/definite. Use 那/这 instead of 一 (indefinite). You cannot "dispose of" something unspecified.
A bare verb after 把 is incomplete. You need additional elements: reduplication, a complement, 了, 着, or a measure word. The verb in a 把-sentence must show result or manner.
Forgetting is a completed action, not a sustained state. Use 了 (completion), not 着 (ongoing). 着 is for states you maintain: 带着, 拿着, 穿着.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
If you want to soften a request with 把, use verb reduplication: 把这个看看, 把那个试试.
Remember: 着 after 把 means "keep it that way" — 把门开着 (keep the door open), 把灯关着 (keep the light off).
Measure complements after 把 tell HOW MUCH was done to the object — how many times, how long, how thoroughly.
The 把 object is always SPECIFIC. If you cannot point to it or identify it, do not use 把.
Homework
Write three sentences for each pattern: (1) 把 + reduplication, (2) 把 + 了/着, (3) 把 + measure complement. Use different verbs and objects for each.