有
yǒu
In Chinese, the phrase 'to have' is expressed as 有 (yǒu).
The verb 有 is used to express possession, such as 'to have' something. Beyond possession, it is also used to express existence, meaning 'there is' or 'there are'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To negate 有, you must use the specific negative form 没有 (méiyǒu) rather than combining it with other negation particles. Additionally, you can add the aspect particle 了 after 有 to form 有了, which indicates that one has newly acquired or obtained something.
How do you pronounce it?
yǒu
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not attempt to negate 有 by using the particle 不 to create 不有. This is incorrect. Instead, always use the form 没有 to mean 'do not have' or 'not have'.
Did you know?
- Ancient scholars used the phrase 日月有食之 to describe eclipses, interpreting 有 as possessing something that 'should not be had' because eclipses were considered inauspicious.
Examples in context
- 有朋友真好。It's nice to have friends.This sentence shows how to use 有 to express the benefit of possessing friends.Tatoeba #6318533 by verdastelo9604, translation #6303746 by Hybrid
- 我們必須有計畫。We have to have a plan.This sentence demonstrates using 有 to express the necessity of possessing a plan.Tatoeba #6119148 by verdastelo9604, translation #4501430 by CK
- 我沒有休息的時間。I have no time to have a rest.This sentence uses the negative form of 有 to indicate a lack of time for rest.Tatoeba #3149030 by cienias, translation #3770446 by Debbie_Linder
- 我有一本书。I have a book.
- 他有一只狗。He has a dog.
- 我有个手机。I have a phone.
- 他有很多朋友。He has many friends.
- 我有我自己的梦想。I have my own dreams.
- 他没有时间。He doesn't have time.
- 我没有兄弟姐妹。I don't have siblings.
- 桌子上有一杯水。There is a glass of water on the table.
- 我家有很多书。There are many books at my home.
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are checking their supplies before a trip.
- 伟 Wei你有地图吗？Nǐ yǒu dìtú ma?Do you have a map?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我有一张。Wǒ yǒu yī zhāng.I have one.
- 伟 Wei那太好了。Nà tài hǎo le.That is great.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我们还有很多水。Wǒmen hái yǒu hěnduō shuǐ.We also have a lot of water.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 有, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
