HSK 2 · VERSION 2.0#50
Verbs Followed by “gěi”
动词 + 给
How it works
Some verbs can be followed by 给 to show the receiver of the action.
The pattern
Verb + Object + 给 + Person
Example sentences
请告诉他这个消息。
Please tell him the news.
我送了一本书给老师。
I gave a book to the teacher.
他拿水给我。
He brings water to me.
Usage note
In modern standard Chinese, some verbs sound more natural with 给 + person before the verb or with double-object structure. But HSK2 learners often still meet this verb + 给 + person pattern, especially with verbs like 送.
The first example uses the more natural double-object order with 告诉. Examples 2 and 3 show 给 after the thing being transferred.