Learn four essential Chinese prepositions: 替 (for/instead of), 对 (about/to), 帮 (to help), 用 (with/using/by)
1 Introduction to Common Chinese Prepositions
Besides 跟 and 给 which we learned previously, there are some other prepositions that are often used in Chinese: 替, 对, 帮, and 用. Each of these prepositions establishes a specific relationship between the subject and the action, similar to English prepositions.
Basic Sentence Structure with Prepositions
All these prepositions follow the same basic structure in Chinese sentences:
Four Common Prepositions Overview
2 替 (tì) – For… / To Take Place Of…
替 has the meaning of “to do something for somebody” or “to take place of somebody.” It indicates that the subject performs an action on behalf of or instead of someone else.
Examples: 替 = For… / To Take Place Of…
| Structure | Chinese | English Translation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 请 + B + 替 + A + V |
请你替我取一下快递吧。
|
Please get the delivery for me. | |
| AV + 替 + A + V |
能替我照顾一会儿他吗？
|
Can you take care of him for a while for me? |
Relationship: 替 (Doing Something For Someone)
Complete Sentence: 请你替我取一下快递吧。
(Please get the delivery for me.)
Key Points: 替 vs 给 for “For”
替 (tì)
Key: I should do it, but you do it instead.
给 (gěi)
Key: You do it, and I receive benefit.
3 对 (duì) – About / To
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4 帮 (bāng) – To Help
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5 用 (yòng) – With / Using / By
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Practice Exercises
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