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Simplified/traditional character 有 English definitionyǒu
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Characters with the same pronunciation
Sentences examples with 有
Words containing 有, by HSK level
系 米 The verb 有 (yǒu) is apparently one of the most frequently used words in Chinese. In many ways, it works like the English word “have”, but still there is some difference, which could be somewhat confusing for Chinese beginners. Have no fear if that happens to be your case. In this post, we will talk about the two basis usages of 有 (yǒu) , how to use it properly in a negative sentence, and in a casual conversation scenario. In just five minutes, you’ll be able to use 有 (yǒu) like a pro. Let’s jump in. How to Use 有 (yǒu) in Chinese有 (yǒu) can be used in various ways, but fundamentally, it has two basic usages in Chinese: 1. Use 有 (yǒu) to Express PossessionThis is the most common scenario. People use 有 (yǒu) to indicate they own or possess something. It’s just like “to have” in English. Patternsubject + 有 (yǒu) + object Let’s see some examples!
2. Use 有 (yǒu) to Express ExistenceWhen 有 (yǒu) is used to express existence, it means “there is” or “there are” in English (pretty much like “hay” in Spanish, if you know what I mean) Patternplace + 有 (yǒu) + object Literally, it says the place has something, i.e, something (the object) is existent at that place. The place could simply be the name of a location or a location word (a.k.a. noun of locality) such as 里面 (lǐmiàn), 外面 (shàngmiàn), 上面(shàngmiàn), etc. Examples:
You can use 有 (yǒu) to express possession or existence in the past, present, and future. There is no need to add particles like 了 (le), 过 (guò). Examples:
Use 没有 (méiyǒu) in a Negative SentenceYou might be familiar with the negation word 不 (bù). Right, you can negate basically any verbs with 不 (bu) in Chinese, like 不是 (bú shì), 不要(bú yào), 不去 (bú qù), but when it comes to 有 (yǒu), you have to negate it with 没 (méi). This is the only exception in the universe of Chinese verbs. Pattern没 (méi) + 有 (yǒu) + object Just put 没 (méi) before 有 (yǒu), and you are all set! Examples:
In case you haven’t noticed, 没 (méi) and 有 (yǒu) has such a tight connection, that the two words are often written without any space in the Pinyin form as if it were just one word: 没有 (méiyǒu) Alert! NEVER negate 有 (yǒu) with 不 (bù)! Typical rookie mistake!
Stick to this rule in a choice question as well! While you can say 是不是 (shì bu shì), 要不要 (yào bu yào), 去不去 (qù bu qù), it’s absolutely wrong to say 有不有 (yǒu bu yǒu), as it should always be 有没有 (yǒu méiyǒu). Examples:
Short Form of 没有 (méiyǒu): 没 (méi)没有 (méiyǒu) can be shortened to simply 没 (méi) without changing its meaning. This is particularly common in spoken Chinese (and still grammatically correct!). Native speakers like keeping sentences short and concise.
Quick Recap: 有 (yǒu)
All right, that’s everything you need to know about using 有 (yǒu) in Chinese at this stage, and you are good to go now! I hope you 没有问题 (méiyǒu wèntí) – have no problem! Remember, grammar is the glue that holds the pieces of language together, so don’t forget to check other grammar articles on ImproveMandarin.Com’s Grammar Channel! 谢谢 (xièxie) for reading this article! |