Chinese Grammar: The 把 (bǎ) Construction

These flashcards cover the core grammar rules, forbidden verbs, and common vocabulary/complements associated with the Chinese 把 (bǎ) construction.

把 (bǎ) Sentence Structure

Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Complement/了/other elements

Definite Object

A requirement for the 把 construction where the object must be specific or known to the speaker and listener.

Stative/Non-action Verbs

Verbs like 喜欢 (xǐhuan - like), 知道 (zhīdào - know), and 看见 (kànjiàn - see) that cannot be used with 把 because they do not change or affect the object.

Negation Placement in 把 Sentences

Negative words like 别 (bié) or 不 (bù) and modal verbs like 应该 (yīnggāi) must be placed before 把, not after the verb.

发 (fā)

To send; often used with 给 (gěi) in a 把 structure to indicate a recipient (e.g., sending an address or file).

关 (guān)

To close; often paired with the complement 上 (shàng) to indicate closing something completely, like a door or window.

停 (tíng)

To park or stop; frequently used with the result complement 好 (hǎo) to mean parking properly or correctly.

扔 (rēng)

To throw away; commonly used with 了 (le) to indicate the completion of throwing out trash or useless items.

Verb Reduplication (V 一 V)

A pattern used after 把 to indicate a casual, light, or brief action, such as 洗一洗 (xǐ yì xǐ - wash a bit).

传 (chuán)

To transfer, upload, or send digital files like photos, videos, or documents.

晾 (liàng)

To air-dry or hang out (clothes), often used with the directional complement 起来 (qǐlái) to indicate hanging them up.

翻 (fān)

To flip or turn; used with 到 (dào) to indicate turning a book to a specific page or location.

收 (shōu)

To put away, tidy, or collect; often used with 起来 (qǐlái) or 好 (hǎo) to mean putting things away properly.

扎 (zā)

To tie up or bundle, commonly used for hair (ponytails) or shoelaces in a 把 construction.

说 (shuō)

To speak; often paired with 完 (wán) to mean finishing what one is saying or 清楚 (qīngchu) to mean speaking clearly.

告诉 (gàosu)

To tell or inform; in a 把 sentence, it typically identifies the specific information (the object) being shared with a person.

放 (fàng)

To put or place; usually requires the complement 到 (dào) to specify the destination or location of the object.

吓一跳 (xià yí tiào)

An idiomatic complement used with 把 to mean startling someone or giving them a fright.

递 (dì)

To hand over or pass an object to someone, such as a phone or salt.

删 (shān)

To delete; often used with 掉 (diào) to emphasize the complete removal of digital files or emails.

打开 (dǎkāi)

A verb-result compound used with 把 to mean turning on (lights/electronics) or opening (windows/doors).

存 (cún)

To save, deposit, or store, such as saving money in a bank or saving digital photos.

调 (tiáo)

To adjust; used for settings like volume (声音), temperature (温度), or brightness (亮度).

安排 (ānpái)

To arrange or plan, often used with 时间 (shíjiān - time) or 日程 (rìchéng - schedule).

刮 (guā)

To shave or scrape, most commonly used in the phrase 把胡子刮一刮 (shave the beard).

记 (jì)

To write down or remember; used with 下来 (xiàlái) to mean recording information like key points or phone numbers.

解决 (jiějué)

To solve or resolve, used for taking care of problems (问题) or difficulties (困难).

改 (gǎi)

To change or revise, such as correcting errors in a contract (合同) or homework (作业).

倒 (dào)

To pour out or pour into, used for liquids like water or tea, or colloquially for trash.

气坏 (qì huài)

A result complement meaning to make someone extremely angry or furious.

把关 (bǎ guān)

A fixed expression meaning to control or check quality.

把握 (bǎwò)

A fixed expression meaning to grasp, hold, or seize (an opportunity).