HSK 2
The 把 (bǎ) Sentence in Chinese
The 把 sentence moves the object before the verb to emphasize what happens to it. Use it when an action changes, moves, or disposes of a specific object. The verb can never stand alone — it needs a complement such as 了, 在, 到 or a result.
STRUCTURE
Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Complement
Right vs. wrong
我把书放。
我把书放在桌子上。
Bare verb after 把 (missing complement)
我把中文喜欢。
我喜欢中文。
把 used with a non-disposal verb
Examples
我把书放在桌子上。
Wǒ bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng.
I put the book on the table.
请把门关上。
Qǐng bǎ mén guān shàng.
Please close the door.
他把饭吃完了。
Tā bǎ fàn chī wán le.
He finished the rice.
Common mistakes
我把书放。
Wǒ bǎ shū fàng.
Verb after 把 needs a complement: 放在桌子上 / 放好.
我放书在桌子上。
Wǒ fàng shū zài zhuōzi shàng.
With a location complement, native speakers prefer the 把 structure.
Think you've got it?
Write your own 把 sentence and let the coach check it.