我有
wǒ yǒu
In Mandarin, "I have" is expressed as 我有 (wǒ yǒu).
The phrase 我有 is used to indicate that the speaker possesses or owns something.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 有 (yǒu) means 'to have' or 'to possess'.
Which one should you use?
The phrase 我拥有 (wǒ yōngyǒu) is used to emphasize ownership or possession, or 我有一些 (wǒ yǒu yīxiē) can be used to specify 'I have some.'
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ yǒu
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to negate 我有 with 不有 (bù yǒu), but in Mandarin, 有 must be negated with 没 (méi).
Did you know?
- The character 有 originally depicted a hand holding a piece of meat, visually representing the act of possessing something valuable.
- When 有 is used in the phrase 有意思 (yǒu yìsi), it doesn't mean 'to possess a meaning' but rather that something is 'interesting' or 'fun'.
- If you say 我有钱 (wǒ yǒu qián), you are not just saying 'I have money', but in certain contexts, you might be implying you are 'wealthy' or 'rich'.
Examples in context
- 我有高血压。I have high blood pressure.This example shows how to use 我有 to state a medical condition.Tatoeba #815684 by GlossaMatik, translation #241256 by CK
- 我有個提案。I have a proposal.This example shows how to use 我有 to indicate having a proposal.Tatoeba #1484798 by egg0073, translation #1484788 by CM
- 我有一个家。I have a home.This example shows how to use 我有 to indicate having a home.Tatoeba #1786136 by sadhen, translation #1786134 by gleki
- 我有 一 本 书。I have a book.
- 我拥有 一 家 公司。I own a company.
- 我有 很多 朋友。I have many friends.
- 我有一些 时间。I have some time.
- 我有一 只 猫。I have a cat.
- 我有一个 大家庭。I have a big family.
- 我有 时间 去 旅行。I have time to travel.
- 248 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing their supplies at the office.
- 梓涵 Zihan你有笔吗？Nǐ yǒu bǐ ma?Do you have a pen?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我有，给你。Wǒ yǒu, gěi nǐ.I have one, here you go.
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢，雨婷。Xièxiè, Yǔtíng.Thanks, Yuting.
- 志强 Zhiqiang不客气。Bú kèqì.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
