Using "ba" sentences

Revision as of 02:02, 1 August 2011 by Xiuyuan (talk | contribs)

The 把 sentence, called 把字句 in Chinese, is a useful structure for focusing on the result or influence of an action. It's really common in Mandarin, but can feel a bit strange for English speakers to begin with.

How to form a 把 sentence

Basic 把 sentences

A basic sentence in Mandarin is formed with a subject-verb-object structure, as in English:

  • 我吃馒头

A 把 sentence shakes things up a bit and re-arranges the word order:

把 sentences with two objects

When to use a 把 sentence

Known object

Disposal

  • Subject + 把 + Object + Verb

So you now have a SOV word order

Sources and further reading

Books

Websites