给

給

gěi

HSK 2

#180 most

frequent character

to, for, for the benefit of

verb

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

给 has 纟 silk threads as its meaning part and 合 hé as a sound part, though the sound link is not clear today. It first meant 'abundant'. From 'to make abundant' came 'to give', 'for', and a passive marker like 被. Read jǐ, it means 'to provide'.

Ask DeepSeek

Example Sentences

我给你一本书。

wǒ gěi nǐ yīběnshū 。

I give you a book.

他给我发了一条短信。

tā gěi wǒ fā le yītiáo duǎnxìn 。

He sent me a text message.

请给我一些水。

qǐng gěi wǒ yīxiē shuǐ 。

Please give me some water.

Grammar Points

Expressing "for" with "gei"

Verbs followed by "gei"

Verbs preceded by "gei"

Expressing passive voice with "gei"被…给

Same Characters, Different Readings

to supply, to provide

Words with similar meanings

This word emphasizes the action of delivering something to someone, often with a sense of formality or gifting.

This term is more formal and often used in contexts of permission, rights, or resources.

Your word lists

Sign in to add this word to your private lists.

Public Lists with 给

Common Communication Phrases

Polite expressions, apologies, congratulatory phrases, and casual chat.

All words for the HSK 2 test

Core action verbs like 'go,' 'come,' 'eat,' 'see,' commonly encountered in HSK.