给gěi

Multipurpose Preposition: 给 – Recipient, Service & Passive

Meaning: Versatile preposition introducing the beneficiary/recipient or marking passive/disposal in colloquial speech

Pattern

In HSK 5, the versatile preposition 给 (gěi) covers several crucial usages: (1) Introducing the recipient or beneficiary of an action ({S} + 给 + {Person} + {VP}, e.g., 我给你讲一个故事 - let me tell you a story; 给他打电话); (2) Introducing an audience for whose benefit a performance is given ({V} + 给 + {Person} + 看/听, e.g., 唱给大家听 - sing for everyone to hear; 做给大家看); (3) Colloquial passive marker replacing 被 ({S} + 给 + {Agent} + {V} + 了, e.g., 我的钱包给小偷拿走了 - my wallet was taken by a thief).
In oral Chinese, 给 is also combined with 把/被 to reinforce the disposal tone (e.g., 把钥匙给弄丢了).

1
我给你讲一个故事，你听好。
Wǒ gěi nǐ jiǎng yí gè gùshi, nǐ tīng hǎo.
I will tell you a story; listen carefully.
2
请你把这首歌唱给大家听。
Qǐng nǐ bǎ zhè shǒu gē chàng gěi dàjiā tīng.
Please sing this song for everyone to hear.
3
我的钱包给小偷拿走了。
Wǒ de qiánbāo gěi xiǎotōu ná zǒu le.
My wallet was taken away by a thief.

•When performing for others, use the complete phrase “V + 给 + audience + 听/看” (唱给大家听); distinguish colloquial passive 给 from give/transfer 给.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Incorrect: 我唱给你 → Correct: 我唱给你听 (when singing or demonstrating for someone, the complement verb 听 or 看 must follow).

•Confusing passive 给 with dative 给: 我的钱包给小偷拿走了 means the wallet was stolen by a thief, functioning identically to 被.

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 5 to master all skills together.