Keywords: jiyu, jǐyǔ, 给予, what does jiyu mean, how to use jiyu, Chinese for to give, to grant in Chinese, formal Chinese verb, jiyu vs gei, HSK 5 vocabulary.
Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 给予 (jǐyǔ), a formal term meaning “to give” or “to grant.” This guide explains how 给予 is used in written Chinese and formal speech, primarily for abstract concepts like support, attention, or help. Discover the key difference between the formal 给予 (jǐyǔ) and the common, everyday word 给 (gěi), and learn to use it correctly in context with practical examples.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jǐ yǔ
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: To give, grant, accord, or render, typically in a formal context.
In a Nutshell: Think of 给予 (jǐyǔ) as the formal, “business suit” version of “to give.” You wouldn't use it when handing a friend a book, but you would use it when a company gives support to a project, a teacher gives praise to a student, or a government grants aid to its citizens. It's almost always used for abstract things, not physical objects.
Character Breakdown
给 (jǐ): While this character is most famously pronounced `gěi` and means “to give,” here it takes the less common pronunciation `jǐ` and carries the meaning of “to provide” or “to supply.” Its presence signals a transfer or provision.
予 (yǔ): This is a more classical and literary character that also means “to give” or “to grant.”
The combination of these two characters creates a formal, two-syllable word that essentially means “to provide and give.” This doubles down on the meaning, elevating its formality and separating it from the simple, everyday act of giving.
Cultural Context and Significance
The existence of 给予 (jǐyǔ) highlights the importance of register and formality in Chinese language and culture. Unlike in English where “to give” can be used in almost any situation, Chinese makes a sharp distinction between everyday, casual actions and formal, official ones.
Using 给予 signals respect, seriousness, and officialdom. It is often used in a top-down context: an organization gives to an individual, a superior to a subordinate, or an expert to the public. This reflects a cultural awareness of social roles and the appropriate language to use for them.
Compare this to the English concept of using words like “bestow,” “confer,” or “grant” instead of just “give.” You wouldn't say “I bestowed a sandwich upon him,” but you would say “The Queen bestowed a knighthood upon him.” 给予 operates on a similar, though more frequently used, principle in formal Chinese.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formal and Written Contexts: This is the primary domain of 给予. You will see it constantly in news articles, company reports, legal documents, and academic papers. For example, a news report might state: “联合国将给予该地区人道主义援助” (The UN will grant humanitarian aid to the region).
Giving Abstract Things: 给予 is almost exclusively paired with abstract nouns. You don't 给予 a cup of coffee, but you do 给予:
支持 (zhīchí) - support
帮助 (bāngzhù) - help
鼓励 (gǔlì) - encouragement
肯定 (kěndìng) - affirmation/approval
关注 (guānzhù) - attention/concern
高度评价 (gāodù píngjià) - high praise/evaluation
Formal Speech: While less common in casual conversation, it is used in formal speeches, presentations, and official announcements. A manager might say in a meeting, “我希望大家能给予新同事更多的帮助” (I hope everyone can give our new colleague more help).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
老师给予了学生们很多鼓励。
Pinyin: Lǎoshī jǐyǔle xuéshēngmen hěn duō gǔlì.
English: The teacher gave the students a lot of encouragement.
Analysis: A classic example. “Encouragement” (鼓励) is an abstract noun, and the context of a teacher and students is formal enough for 给予.
Example 2:
公司决定给予他升职的机会。
Pinyin: Gōngsī juédìng jǐyǔ tā shēngzhí de jīhuì.
English: The company decided to grant him the opportunity for a promotion.
Analysis: “Opportunity” (机会) is abstract, and the context is a formal company decision.
Example 3:
我们应该给予这个问题足够的重视。
Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi jǐyǔ zhège wèntí zúgòu de zhòngshì.
English: We should give this issue sufficient attention.
Analysis: “Attention” or “importance” (重视) is an abstract concept. This sentence would fit well in a formal report or meeting.
Example 4:
他的设计得到了评委们给予的高度评价。
Pinyin: Tā de shèjì dédàole píngwěimen jǐyǔ de gāodù píngjià.
English: His design received high praise given by the judges.
Analysis: “High praise” (高度评价) is a formal, abstract assessment. Note how 给予 can be used in a descriptive clause.
English: Please grant us some time to consider your proposal.
Analysis: This is a polite, formal request. “Time” here is treated as an abstract resource to be granted.
Example 8:
社会应对老年人给予更多的关怀。
Pinyin: Shèhuì yīng duì lǎoniánrén jǐyǔ gèng duō de guānhuái.
English: Society should give more care and concern to the elderly.
Analysis: “Care and concern” (关怀) is abstract. This is a formal statement about social responsibility.
Example 9:
法官必须给予双方公平的听证机会。
Pinyin: Fǎguān bìxū jǐyǔ shuāngfāng gōngpíng de tīngzhèng jīhuì.
English: The judge must grant both parties a fair hearing.
Analysis: A perfect example from a legal context, where formality is paramount.
Example 10:
感谢您给予我们的宝贵支持。
Pinyin: Gǎnxiè nín jǐyǔ wǒmen de bǎoguì zhīchí.
English: Thank you for the valuable support you have given us.
Analysis: Used in formal expressions of gratitude, often in writing (like in an email or acceptance speech).
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The Golden Rule: Abstract vs. Physical. The most common mistake learners make is using 给予 for physical objects. It sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.
Incorrect: 他给予我一本书。 (Tā jǐyǔ wǒ yī běn shū.)
Correct: 他给我一本书。 (Tā gěi wǒ yī běn shū.)
Reason: A book is a concrete, everyday object. The simple verb 给 (gěi) is the only correct choice here.
False Friends: 给予 (jǐyǔ) vs. 给 (gěi)
给予 (jǐyǔ): Formal. Use for abstract nouns (support, praise, opportunity, attention). Think “to grant,” “to accord,” “to bestow.”
给 (gěi): Informal/Neutral. Use for physical objects (books, money, food) and in most spoken, everyday situations. It can also be used for abstract things in a more casual way (e.g., 给我一个机会 - gěi wǒ yīgè jīhuì - “give me a chance”). When in doubt, a beginner should probably use 给 (gěi).
Related Terms and Concepts
给 (gěi) - The standard, all-purpose word for “to give.” It is the informal counterpart to 给予.
提供 (tígōng) - To provide or supply, especially services, resources, or information. It focuses on making something available (e.g., provide a service, supply evidence).
授予 (shòuyǔ) - To award or confer. Even more formal than 给予, used specifically for titles, degrees, medals, or honors (e.g., award a PhD).
颁发 (bānfā) - To issue or award, typically by an organization to many people. Used for certificates, prizes, and awards in a ceremony.
赠送 (zèngsòng) - To give as a gift; to present. It emphasizes that the item is a present and the act is one of generosity.
支持 (zhīchí) - Support. An abstract noun that is very frequently used as the object of 给予.
帮助 (bāngzhù) - Help; aid. Another common abstract noun paired with 给予.