给(Gěi) Suffixed to Verbs

Learn how to express transfer actions using the Verb + 给 (gěi) structure meaning “to somebody”

Basic Sentence Pattern

The structure Verb + 给 (gěi) + Somebody is used to express actions of transferring or giving something to someone. The 给 functions as a verb suffix meaning “to somebody” or “for somebody”.

Direct Object + Subject + AV/TW + Verb + 给 + Recipient

Transfer Action Visualization

Giver/Subject

我

wǒ

I/me

Performs action

Direct Object

电脑

diànnǎo

computer

Item being transferred

给 (gěi)

Recipient

他

tā

he/him

Receiver of action

Complete Sentence: 电脑我不能借给他。
(I can’t lend the computer to him.)

The Function of 给 (gěi)

给 (gěi) literally means “to give”. When used as a verb suffix, it indicates that the action is directed toward or for someone.

借 (jiè)

to lend

借给 (jiè gěi)

to lend to someone

卖 (mài)

to sell

卖给 (mài gěi)

to sell to someone

Key point: 给 transforms the verb into a ditransitive verb (verb with two objects).

Direct Object Transposition

In this pattern, the Direct Object is usually moved to the beginning of the sentence for emphasis or when the object is known information.

电脑我不能借给他。

diànnǎo wǒ bùnéng jiè gěi tā.

Structure: Object + Subject + Verb + 给 + Recipient

Emphasis: The computer (not something else)

Alternative (less common):

我不能借电脑给他。

wǒ bùnéng jiè diànnǎo gěi tā.

I can’t lend the computer to him.

Key point: Object-first structure is more natural and common in Chinese.

 Transfer Action SequenceStep 1
Direct Object
电脑
computer
What is transferred
Step 2
Subject + Verb
我借
I lend
Who does what
Step 3
给
给
to
Transfer indicator
Step 4
Recipient
他
him
Who receives it

Direct Object Transposition

In the Verb + 给 structure, the direct object (the thing being transferred) is typically placed at the beginning of the sentence. This word order emphasizes the object and follows the Chinese principle of placing known information first.

Direct Object + S + AV/TW + V + 给 + N

Transposition Examples

Structure	Chinese	English Translation
DO + S + AV/TW + V + 给 + N	电脑我不能借给他。 diànnǎo wǒ bùnéng jiè gěi tā.	I can’t lend the computer to him.
DO + S + AV/TW + V + 给 + N	这辆车他愿意卖给我。 zhèliàngchē tā yuànyì mài gěi wǒ.	He’s willing to sell this car to me.
DO + S + AV/TW + V + 给 + N	这本书我明天还给你。 zhèběnshū wǒ míngtiān huán gěi nǐ.	I’ll return this book to you tomorrow.

Physical Transfer Verbs

Communication Verbs

Physical Transfer Examples

这封信我要寄给他。

zhè fēng xìn wǒ yào jì gěi tā.

Translation: I want to mail this letter to him.

Breakdown:

这封信 (this letter) – Direct Object

我要 (I want to) – Subject + Adverb

寄给 (mail to) – Verb + 给

他 (him) – Recipient

那本书他已经还给我了。

nà běn shū tā yǐjīng huán gěi wǒ le.

Translation: He has already returned that book to me.

Breakdown:

那本书 (that book) – Direct Object

他已经 (he already) – Subject + Adverb

还给 (return to) – Verb + 给

我 (me) – Recipient

Key point: These verbs involve physical transfer of objects from one person to another.

Communication Action Examples

这个消息我要告诉他。

zhège xiāoxi wǒ yào gàosu tā.

Note: 告诉 already means “to tell”, doesn’t need 给

Breakdown:

这个消息 (this news) – Direct Object

我要 (I want to) – Subject + Adverb

告诉 (tell) – Verb (already includes “to”)

他 (him) – Recipient

这个秘密不能说出来。

zhège mìmì bùnéng shuō chūlái.

Note: Some communication verbs don’t use 给 structure

Alternative patterns:

对…说 (say to…)

给…打电话 (call…)

向…解释 (explain to…)

Key point: Not all communication verbs use the 给 structure – some have different patterns.

Important Rule: Word Order Flexibility

While the object-first structure is most common, there are other possible word orders:

Most Common (Object First): Direct Object + Subject + Verb + 给 + Recipient

电脑我不能借给他。

Alternative 1: Subject + Verb + Direct Object + 给 + Recipient

我不能借电脑给他。

Alternative 2 (Less Common): Subject + 给 + Recipient + Verb + Direct Object

我跟/向他借电脑。

(Note: This changes meaning slightly – “I borrow the computer from him.”)

The object-first structure is preferred for clarity and naturalness in Chinese.

Common Verbs with 给

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Practice Exercises

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给(Gěi) Suffixed to Verbs

给(Gěi) Suffixed to Verbs

1 Basic Sentence Pattern

Transfer Action Visualization

The Function of 给 (gěi)

Direct Object Transposition

Transfer Action Sequence

2 Direct Object Transposition

Transposition Examples

Physical Transfer Examples

Communication Action Examples

Important Rule: Word Order Flexibility

3 Common Verbs with 给

Practice Exercises

Basic Sentence Pattern

Direct Object Transposition

Common Verbs with 给