Meaning
给 is one of the most fundamental and versatile words in Mandarin. As a verb, it means 'to give.' As a preposition, it marks the recipient or beneficiary of an action, similar to English 'to' or 'for.' It can also mean 'to allow' or 'to let' in certain constructions.
Usage
Native speakers use 给 constantly in everyday speech. As a preposition, it typically comes before the recipient and after the subject (Subject + 给 + Recipient + Verb + Object). In spoken Mandarin, 给 can sometimes be reduced or omitted in casual speech. It's also commonly used in the passive construction '被...给...' for emphasis.
Examples
- 01我给你买了一本书。.I bought a book for you.
- 02请给我一杯水。.Please give me a glass of water.
Common collocations
- 给...打电话...to call (someone)
- 给我give me; to me
- 给你give you; to you; here you are
- 给钱to pay; to give money
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 給 combines the silk radical 糹 with 合 (to combine), originally referring to supplying or providing silk. The simplified form 给 uses 给 as a phonetic component.