Chinese verb · action · first needed at beginner level (A1)
给
gěi
to give
Takes two objects, the person first: (gěi tā yì běn shū, give him a book). Before another verb it means “for” or “to”: (gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà, call me).
Speed:
Basic
基本
Giving, now or usually. Negative: (bù gěi).
| affirmative | 我给你钱。Wǒ gěi nǐ qián. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 他不给我钱。Tā bù gěi wǒ qián. | |
| question | 你给谁？Nǐ gěi shéi? |
Completed
了
Something that has happened. Negative with (méi), and then 了 drops.
| affirmative | 我给了他一百块。Wǒ gěile tā yìbǎi kuài. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 我没给他钱。Wǒ méi gěi tā qián. | |
| question | 你给他钱了吗？Nǐ gěi tā qián le ma? |
Experience
过
Something done at least once before. Negative: + verb + 过.
| affirmative | 他给过我一本书。Tā gěiguo wǒ yì běn shū. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 他没给过我钱。Tā méi gěiguo wǒ qián. | |
| question | 他给过你钱吗？Tā gěiguo nǐ qián ma? |
Future and intention
要 / 会
A time word is enough for a promise. / : will or won't give.
| affirmative | 我明天给你。Wǒ míngtiān gěi nǐ. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 我不会给他的。Wǒ bú huì gěi tā de. | |
| question | 你会给他吗？Nǐ huì gěi tā ma? |
Ability and permission
能 / 可以 / 会
能给我…吗？ is a polite request. : fine to give.
| affirmative | 这本书可以给你。Zhè běn shū kěyǐ gěi nǐ. | |
|---|---|---|
| negative | 这个不能给你。Zhège bù néng gěi nǐ. | |
| question | 你能给我一杯水吗？Nǐ néng gěi wǒ yì bēi shuǐ ma? |
Examples
- 请给我一杯茶。Qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi chá.A cup of tea, please.
- 我明天给你打电话。Wǒ míngtiān gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.I'll call you tomorrow.
- 这是给你的。Zhè shì gěi nǐ de.This is for you.