HSK 2
给
gěi
给 (gěi) - to give, to give to someone
Explanation
给 (gěi) is a preposition (a word placed before a noun to show a relationship: at, with, for...) used to introduce the recipient of an action or a thing, equivalent to 'for, to' in English.
Subject (the person or thing performing the action, at the start of the sentence) + 给 gěi + recipient + Verb + object (the target of the action).
给女朋友打电话 (call one's girlfriend).
When you want to say you are doing something DIRECTED toward someone: calling someone, sending/giving to someone, buying for someone. The following verb is often 打电话 (make a call), 送 (give as a gift), 买 (buy), 写 (write)...
The phrase 给 + recipient is placed BEFORE the main verb, not at the end of the sentence as in Vietnamese.
Vietnamese learners often carry over the Vietnamese word order 'call for one's girlfriend' into 打电话给女朋友 and then drop 给 altogether or place it in the wrong spot; the HSK 2 standard is to put 给 + recipient before the verb.
Examples
In the evening I have to call my girlfriend.
It's her birthday the day after tomorrow; what gift should we give her?
Practice
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Learn “给” effectively
The grammar point “给” (给 (gěi) - to give, to give to someone) 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.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.