HSK 2
双宾语句
shuāng bīn yǔ jù
Double-object sentences
Explanation
This is the double-object sentence (a sentence with two objects at once - an object is the target acted upon by the action), used when a single verb refers both to 'to WHOM' and to 'WHAT'.
(1) Subject + verb + object 1 (the recipient) + object 2 (the thing).
我给妹妹一本书 (I give my younger sister a book). (2) With certain verbs, add 给 (gěi, give) right after the verb to emphasize the giving: Subject + verb + 给 + recipient + thing.
姐姐送给我一个手机 (My older sister gives me a phone).
Use it with verbs meaning give/present/lend such as 给 (give), 送 (present), 借 (borrow/lend), 教 (teach). The order is fixed: the recipient comes FIRST, the thing comes AFTER.
Vietnamese learners often reverse the order into 'thing + person', wrongly writing 我给一本书妹妹. Always put the recipient first and the thing after: 我给妹妹一本书.
Examples
(1) Subject + verb + object 1 (the recipient) + object 2 (the thing)
I give my younger sister a book.
Dad gives me a car.
(2) Subject + verb + 给 + object 1 (the recipient) + object 2 (the thing)
A friend lent me one thousand yuan.
My older sister gave me a phone.
Practice
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Learn “双宾语句” effectively
The grammar point “双宾语句” (Double-object sentences) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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