In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'give' for abstract things.
- Use it for support, help, or encouragement.
- Avoid using it for physical objects like food.
- Perfect for professional emails and serious heart-to-hearts.
Meaning
This is a formal way to say 'to give' or 'to provide.' It is used when you are giving something abstract like help, support, or a warm welcome rather than a physical sandwich.
Key Examples
3 of 6Thanking a mentor
感谢您给予我的指导。
Thank you for the guidance you gave me.
Encouraging a friend
我们要给予他更多信心。
We should give him more confidence.
Formal business email
公司会给予员工必要的支持。
The company will provide employees with necessary support.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Confucian value of benevolence and the importance of formal social exchanges. It highlights a shift from simple transaction to a meaningful gesture of goodwill. While 'gei' is functional, 'jiyu' is an expression of character and status.
The Abstract Rule
If you can't drop it on your foot, you can probably '给予' it. Stick to things like 'hope,' 'help,' and 'time.'
Pronunciation Trap
The character `给` is usually 'gěi,' but in this formal word, it is officially 'jǐ.' Don't let that trip you up!
In 15 Seconds
- A formal way to say 'give' for abstract things.
- Use it for support, help, or encouragement.
- Avoid using it for physical objects like food.
- Perfect for professional emails and serious heart-to-hearts.
What It Means
给予 (jǐyǔ) is a fancy way to say 'to give.' Think of it as the difference between 'handing someone a pen' and 'providing someone with assistance.' It focuses on the act of offering something meaningful. You won't use this for physical objects like keys or coffee. It is for the big stuff like love, hope, or a second chance.
How To Use It
Put the person receiving the gift first, then 给予, then the abstract noun. For example: 给予 + 支持 (support). It sounds very polished and sincere. It is like wearing a suit to a conversation. You are showing that what you are giving has weight and value. Use it when you want to sound like a supportive mentor or a professional partner.
When To Use It
Use it in speeches or formal emails. It is perfect for thanking people for their 'generous help.' Use it when you are talking about emotional support for a friend in a serious way. It works great in business meetings when discussing what a company offers its employees. If you are writing a heartfelt card, this word adds a touch of class.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 给予 at the dinner table. If you say 'Please 给予 me the salt,' your friends will think you are acting in a period drama. For physical objects, stick to the simple 给 (gěi). Avoid it in casual texting unless you are being intentionally dramatic or poetic. It is too 'heavy' for a quick chat about weekend plans.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, giving is an art form. This word reflects the importance of 'mianzi' (face) and social harmony. By using a formal word like 给予, you show deep respect to the receiver. It implies that the act of giving is a deliberate, noble choice. It has a literary feel that traces back to classical roots, making you sound well-educated.
Common Variations
You might see it written as 给予 but pronounced 'jǐyǔ' in formal settings, though some people say 'gěiyǔ' in daily life. A common partner for this word is 给予 + 肯定 (recognition/affirmation). Another one is 给予 + 帮助 (help). It often appears in the phrase 给予高度评价, which means to give a very high evaluation of something or someone.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in written Chinese or formal speeches. It signifies high respect and deals almost exclusively with abstract nouns.
The Abstract Rule
If you can't drop it on your foot, you can probably '给予' it. Stick to things like 'hope,' 'help,' and 'time.'
Pronunciation Trap
The character `给` is usually 'gěi,' but in this formal word, it is officially 'jǐ.' Don't let that trip you up!
The Gift of Face
Using `给予` in a thank-you note makes the other person feel very respected. It acknowledges their 'giving' as a high-status act.
Examples
6感谢您给予我的指导。
Thank you for the guidance you gave me.
Guidance is abstract, making this the perfect choice.
我们要给予他更多信心。
We should give him more confidence.
Used here to show emotional support.
公司会给予员工必要的支持。
The company will provide employees with necessary support.
Standard professional phrasing for company benefits.
请给予我一点点同情心吧！
Please give me a little bit of sympathy!
Using a formal word for a small favor adds a funny, dramatic flair.
政府给予了灾区高度关注。
The government gave the disaster area high attention.
Common in journalism for official actions.
谢谢你给予我的爱。
Thank you for the love you've given me.
Makes the expression of love feel more profound and serious.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the formal sentence.
老师___了学生很多鼓励。
Encouragement (鼓励) is abstract, so '给予' is the most appropriate formal verb.
Which situation is NOT suitable for '给予'?
我想___你一本书。
A book is a physical object; '给予' is reserved for abstract concepts.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Giving'
Giving physical items to friends
给 (gěi)
General providing/offering
提供 (tígōng)
Bestowing abstract honors or support
给予 (jǐyǔ)
When to use 给予
Professional Praise
给予肯定
Emotional Support
给予安慰
Official Help
给予援助
Giving Time/Attention
给予关注
Practice Bank
2 exercises老师___了学生很多鼓励。
Encouragement (鼓励) is abstract, so '给予' is the most appropriate formal verb.
我想___你一本书。
A book is a physical object; '给予' is reserved for abstract concepts.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot really. For a physical gift, use 送 (sòng) or 给 (gěi). 给予 is for things you can't wrap in paper.
They are close! 提供 is more like 'to provide' (services, data), while 给予 is more like 'to bestow' (support, love).
In 给予, it is pronounced jǐ. Even though you usually say gěi for 'to give,' this formal version uses the literary reading.
Yes, if you are writing a letter or a very serious card to thank them for their support. In daily speech, it might sound a bit too stiff.
Common ones include 支持 (support), 帮助 (help), 机会 (opportunity), and 关注 (attention).
Usually, it's positive. However, you can '给予打击' (give a blow/setback), but it's much less common than the positive uses.
Yes, it is used across the Mandarin-speaking world in formal writing and news.
It is a verb. It describes the action of giving.
It sounds very strange. Use 给我钱 instead. Money is too physical for 给予.
In formal Chinese, two-character words (disyllabic) often sound more rhythmic and professional than single-character words.
Related Phrases
提供
To provide/supply
赐予
To bestow (very formal/religious)
赋予
To endow with (qualities or rights)
赠送
To give as a gift
