给

gěi v.

To join silk threads together so as to supply or equip someone. To give, hand over, offer, or let someone have or benefit from something.

gěi prep.

Marks the receiver of a transfer, born from the verb "to give". Points to "to", "for", and the passive agent ("by").

Handing over gifts, services, food, or kindness to another person.

给 marks the recipient of a warm benefit. Cooking noodles FOR Dazhong is "给大中做面条".

Common Usage & Traps

  • 我给你做 — let me make it for you
  • 做面条给你 给你做面条

    The 'for you' 给 phrase precedes the main verb.

Why does 给 come before the action verb instead of after?

Chinese establishes who receives the benefit before launching the cooking action.

In English you say "cook noodles for you"; in Chinese you say "for you cook noodles" (给你做面条).

Appears in Stories 13 stories

Real context sentences across different daily scenarios and graded readings.

《五块钱》 (The Five-Yuan Gift) HSK 1
~6 min read 414 chars
Read story →

This heartwarming story shows how a small act of kindness can be passed on. Follow Gao Xianming as he learns an important lesson about generosity in his new city.

  • 老先生来到高先明前边, 给 高先明五块钱。

  • 我明天 给 您钱。”

《热面条》 (Hot Noodles on a Cold Night) HSK 1
~5 min read 399 chars
Read story →

Follow Dazhong, a busy worker in China, as he finds warmth and kindness at a small noodle shop. Practice everyday words for food, weather, and expressing gratitude.

  • 老先生天天都 给 大中做热面条。

  • 今天外边太冷了,我 给 你做热面条。”

《饥饿的深意》 (The Hidden Meaning of Hunger) HSK 7
~11 min read 1243 chars
Read story →

Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.

  • 旁边的人都在 给 他敬酒,他每次都端起来酒杯,嘴唇沾沾杯沿就放下。

  • 他说:“货款拖了四个月了,再不 给 ,这周我就停了你的货!”

《找“大白”》 (Looking for Big White) HSK 1
~5 min read 361 chars
Read story →

A young man helps an old man look for his cat. But the real surprise is why the old man wanted to find the cat. Read on to learn about kindness and friendship.

  • 谁看见我的大白猫大白,请打电话 给 三号房间。”

《三号病房的苹果》 (The Apple in Ward Three) HSK 1
~3 min read 191 chars
Read story →

Enjoy this simple story about a patient and a mysterious apple. It shows how a small act of kindness can make someone feel at home, and you'll learn key words for feelings and daily life.

  • 马家友觉得是医院 给 的。

  • 谢医生对马家友说:“苹果不是医院 给 的。

《大学者和小人物》 (The Scholar and the Cookie Seller) HSK 5
~8 min read 882 chars
Read story →

Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.

  • 在他的晚年,有一位卖饼干的小人物成了他的朋友, 给 他带来一点意外和许多快乐。

  • 于是他便写了一封长信 给 大学者胡之适。

《大飞机》 (The Big Airplane) HSK 1
~2 min read 97 chars
Read story →

Read about a work trip to Beijing where a group of colleagues takes a very large airplane. Practice weather words and actions in a simple travel story.

  • 我找了一件衣服 给 他们。

Questions & Discussion 0 questions

Logged in as: ()

No questions or discussions yet. Have a question about this character/word? Be the first to ask!