How to use “把(bǎ)” in Chinese Sentences
It’s quite common to see “把(bǎ)” in Chinese sentences. In this article, we’ll focus mainly on how to use “把(bǎ)” as a preposition in a sentence.
“Subject + 把(bǎ) + Object + Verb + Other Element”
The object in this structure serves both as the object of “把(bǎ)” and the object of the verb. This sentence structure emphasises the subject’s impact upon the object. The result of the impact is indicated by the other element that follows after the verb.
Example 1
他把我的书找到了。
tā bǎ wǒ de shū zhǎo dào le.
He found my book.
In this sentence, the subject “他(tā)” exerts an impact on the object “书(shū)” through the action verb “找(zhǎo)”. The resultative complement “到(dào)” is the other element that shows the result of this action.
Example 2
小明把那个汉字写错了。
xiǎo míng bǎ nà ge hàn zì xiě cuò le.
Xiao Ming wrote that Chinese character wrongly.
In this sentence, the subject is “小明(xiǎo míng)”, object is “汉字(hàn zì)”, verb is “写(xiě)” and the resultative complement is “错(cuò)”.
Example 3
请把红色的杯子给我。
qǐng bǎ hóng sè de bēi zi gěi wǒ.
Please pass me the red cup.
In this sentence, “我(wǒ)” serves as the other element. It suggests what the listener is asked to do to the object which is “杯子(bēi zi)” in this case.
Example 4
你再把这部电影看看。
nǐ zài bǎ zhè bù diàn yǐng kàn kàn.
You should watch this movie again.
In this sentence, the reduplicated verb “看(kàn)” serves as the other element.
When using “把(bǎ)” to construct sentences that indicate the placement of an item, the subject must be given and the object is known to both the speaker and the listener. After the verb, a propositional phrase must be followed to serve as a complement. Let’s look at an example below:
Example 5
你把书放在桌子上。
nǐ bǎ shū fàng zài zhuō zi shang.
Put the book on the table.
In this example, it would be incorrect to say “你放书在桌子上。” because this sentence fulfils the requirements of using a “把” construction.
Example 6
Similarly, for the next example:
请你把这杯咖啡送到我的办公室，谢谢！
qǐng nǐ bǎ zhè bēi kā fēi sòng dào wǒ de bàn gōng shì, xiè xie!
Please bring this cup of coffee to my office, thank you!
In this example, similarly, it would be incorrect to say “请你送这杯咖啡到我的办公室，谢谢！”.
Exercises
Are you more confident in using “把” to form sentences? Let’s translate some sentences using “把”:
Please show your homework to me.
Put the pen on the table.
I forgot about his birthday.
Hope you’ve learned how to use “把” in a sentence. Stay tuned to this blog to learn more about various topics related to learning Chinese! If you want to learn Chinese in Singapore, consult with us at Hanhai to improve your Chinese language skills! See you in the next article!