给你
gěi nǐ
The Chinese phrase for "here you go" is 给你 (gěi nǐ).
给你 is used when physically handing an object to someone, and it is also used when providing information or a digital file.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 给你 literally means "give you".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use 请收好, which means "Please take it". In informal settings, you might say 拿去, which means "Take it". If you are handing something to an elder, a customer or someone you wish to show respect to, use the polite form 给您 instead of 给你.
How do you pronounce it?
gěi nǐ
When do people say it?
In Chinese culture, it is customary to use both hands when handing something to someone as a sign of respect.
Did you know?
- When using 给您 to show respect, the character 您 is visually a combination of the word for 'you' 你 and the character for 'heart' 心 written underneath it.
- In many Chinese-speaking regions, handing over a business card with 给你 is considered a breach of etiquette. You should instead use the more formal 请收下 or use both hands without verbalizing the 'give' too directly.
- The character 给 originally referred to the act of supplying or providing, and in ancient texts, it was often used specifically for the distribution of rations or official grants.
Examples in context
- 请收好，这是您的文件。Please take it, this is your document.
- 拿去吧，这是你的饮料。Take it, this is your drink.
- 给你，这是你要的书。Gěi nǐ, zhè shì nǐ yào de shū.Here you go, this is the book you wanted.
- 给你，请慢用。Gěi nǐ, qǐng màn yòng.Here you go, please enjoy your meal.
- 给你，这是找你的零钱。Gěi nǐ, zhè shì zhǎo nǐ de líng qián.Here you go, this is your change.
Example conversation
Wei asks Jiayi for a pen during class.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，你有笔吗？Jiāyí, nǐ yǒu bǐ ma?Jiayi, do you have a pen?
- 佳怡 Jiayi有，给你。Yǒu, gěi nǐ.Yes, here you go.
- 伟 Wei谢谢你。Xièxiè nǐ.Thank you.
- 佳怡 Jiayi没关系。Méi guānxì.You're welcome.
