Using "ba" sentences

Revision as of 05:50, 1 August 2011 by Xiuyuan (talk | contribs)
Also known as: 把字句, Bǎzì Jù, Ba construction and Prepositional 把.

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 (SVO) structure, as in English:

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

  • Subject + 把 + Object + Verb

So you now have a SOV word order

There must be another element after the verb

Negating 把 sentences

Adverbs in 把 sentences

把 sentences and measure words

把 sentences with two objects

把 with 给

When to use a 把 sentence

  • 'What did you do?' vs 'What did you do with...?'

Known object

  • Definiteness
  • Generic things

Disposal

Subjects and verbs for 把 sentences

Subjectless 把 sentences

Verb must indicate result

  • Single character verbs can't be used alone

把 sentences and complements

  • No potential complements
  • Result complements prefer 把
  • Direction complements prefer 把

Other rules for 把 sentences

  • No 过 particle

Other uses of 把

Measure word for things with handles

Sources and further reading

Books

Websites