Taiwanese "you"

Taiwanese Mandarin differs slightly from Mainland Mandarin. A characteristic of Taiwanese Mandarin is the usage of 有.

Completed Verbs

In the Chinese language, there are verbs called “completed verbs.” These verbs are usually followed by a compliment, as they are not verbs that are ongoing. This is referring to the past tense.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + [Verb Phrase]

Examples

• 我们 有 听 你 的 话 。We listened to you.
• 我们 都 有 听到 宝宝 哭 。We all heard the baby cry.
• 我 有 看到 他们 吵架 。I saw them fighting.

Action Verbs

There are also verbs categorized as “action verbs.” In Taiwanese Mandarin, when 有 is put in front of these verbs, it actually indicates that the verb is still continuing.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Verb-Obj.

Examples

• 她 有 付钱 吗 ？Has she paid?
• 我 有 问 他 ，他 不 说 。I asked him but he didn't tell.
• 我 有 吃饭 ，但是 不太 饿 ，所以 吃 得 不多 。I have eaten, but I didn't eat much because I wasn't very hungry.

Adjectives after 有

Adjectives can also follow 有. These adjectives are all in the past tense, with a 到 following the adjective.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Adj. / Verb + 到

Examples

• 昨天 搬家 ，真的 有 累 到 。I was moving yesterday and I was so tired.
• 他 突然 要 分手 ，我 真的 有 伤 到 。He asked to break up out of nowhere. I was so hurt.
• 你们 突然 大叫 着 跑 出来 ，我 真的 有 吓 到 ！You guys suddenly came running out screaming loudly. I was so scared!

Adj. not in the past tense using 有

Some adjectives can follow 有 and are not used as the past tense.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Adj.

Examples

• 大家 都 有 激动 。Everyone is excited.
• 我 有 紧张 吗 ？Do I look like I'm nervous?
• 你 说话 有 不 礼貌 。The way you speak is impolite.

过 after the verb

Structure

Subj. + 有 + Verb + 过 + Obj.

Examples

• 我 有 去 过 中国 。I have been to China.
• 我 有 学 过 这 个 词 。I have studied this word.
• 你 有 见 过 那 个 人 吗？Have you seen that person before?
• 你 有 自己 做 过 饭 吗 ？Have you ever cooked for yourself?

在 after 有

In Standard Mandarin, using 在 before a verb is the equivalent to the English –ing. When used with 有 in front of it, it is usually referring to habitual action, or an action that can be stopped. This is not in the past tense, but rather a continuing action.

Structure

Subj. + 有 + 在 + Verb

Examples

• 你 有 在 做 兼职 吗？Are you doing a part time job?
• 我 有 在 考虑 跟 她 分手 。I am considering breaking up with her.
• 我 妈妈 有 在 吃素 。My mom is now a vegetarian.

Sources and further reading

Books

• A Practical Chinese Grammar For Foreigners (外国人实用汉语语法) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 59-60) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• Chinese Grammar Without Tears (简明汉语语法学习手册) (pp. 73-4) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 2 (3rd ed) (pp. 83- 4) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 345-7) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 49-51) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar: A Practical Guide (pp. 76-7, 230-2) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 175-6) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (pp. 188) [ →buy]

Websites

• ChinesePod: Qing Wen - 过(guo) (free podcast content)
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