The 把 (bǎ) sentence structure is one of the most important—and most confusing—grammar patterns in Chinese. Many IGCSE students struggle with when to use 把 and how to structure these sentences correctly.
In this complete guide, you'll learn exactly what 把 sentences are, when you must use them, and how to avoid common mistakes in your IGCSE Chinese exam.
What is a 把 Sentence?
A 把 sentence (把字句) is a special sentence structure in Chinese that emphasizes what happens to the object of an action.
Instead of the normal Subject-Verb-Object order, 把 sentences move the object before the verb to show that something is being handled, dealt with, or affected by the action.
Basic Structure
Subject + 把 + Object + Verb + Other Elements
主语 + 把 + 宾语 + 动词 + 其他成分
Example Comparison
Normal Sentence:
我吃了苹果。
Wǒ chī le píngguǒ. (I ate the apple.)
把 Sentence:
我把苹果吃了。
Wǒ bǎ píngguǒ chī le. (I ate up the apple.)
→ Emphasizes the apple was completely eaten
When Must You Use 把?
You must use 把 when the verb shows what happens to the object. Here are the main situations:
1Moving or Placing Something
我把书放在桌子上了。
Wǒ bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng le.
I put the book on the table.
2Changing the State of Something
我把门关了。
Wǒ bǎ mén guān le.
I closed the door.
他把衣服洗干净了。
Tā bǎ yīfu xǐ gānjìng le.
He washed the clothes clean.
3Completing or Finishing Something
我把作业做完了。
Wǒ bǎ zuòyè zuò wán le.
I finished my homework.
她把饭吃完了。
Tā bǎ fàn chī wán le.
She finished eating the meal.
4Causing a Result or Effect
我把他气哭了。
Wǒ bǎ tā qì kū le.
I made him cry (from anger).
他把我弄糊涂了。
Tā bǎ wǒ nòng hútu le.
He confused me.
Important Rules for 把 Sentences
Rule 1: The Object Must Be Specific
Wrong: 我把一本书看了。(indefinite)
Right: 我把那本书看了。(specific book)
The object after 把 must be something specific or known, not just "a book" but "that book" or "the book."
Rule 2: The Verb Cannot Stand Alone
Wrong: 我把书看。(incomplete)
Right: 我把书看了。(with 了)
Right: 我把书看完了。(with complement)
The verb in a 把 sentence must have something after it: 了, a complement (完, 好, 到), or a location.
Rule 3: Cannot Use with Simple Verbs
Wrong: 我把他喜欢。(喜欢 is a state verb)
Right: 我喜欢他。(normal sentence)
把 sentences need action verbs that affect the object. State verbs like 喜欢, 知道, 是 cannot use 把.
Common 把 Sentence Patterns
Pattern 1: 把 + Object + Verb + 了
我把作业做了。
I did the homework.
Pattern 2: 把 + Object + Verb + Complement
我把房间打扫干净了。
I cleaned the room (until it was clean).
Pattern 3: 把 + Object + Verb + 在/到 + Location
我把钥匙放在桌子上了。
I put the keys on the table.
Pattern 4: 把 + Object + Verb + 给 + Someone
我把书还给他了。
I returned the book to him.
Practice Exercises
Rewrite these sentences using 把:
1. 我吃完了饭。→ ?
Answer: 我把饭吃完了。
2. 他关了门。→ ?
Answer: 他把门关了。
3. 我放书在桌子上了。→ ?
Answer: 我把书放在桌子上了。
4. 她洗干净了衣服。→ ?
Answer: 她把衣服洗干净了。
5. 我还给他书了。→ ?
Answer: 我把书还给他了。
IGCSE Exam Tips
Writing Tips
- • Use 把 to show completed actions
- • Add 了 or complements after the verb
- • Make sure the object is specific
- • Use 把 to sound more advanced
Speaking Tips
- • Use 把 for emphasis in responses
- • Shows you understand complex grammar
- • Practice common 把 patterns
- • Don't overuse—use when natural
Reading Tips
- • 把 shows the object is affected
- • Look for what happened to the object
- • Understand the result or change
Listening Tips
- • Listen for 把 to identify the object
- • Pay attention to what happens after
- • Understand the result or location
Final Thoughts
把 sentences might seem complicated at first, but they're actually very logical once you understand the pattern. Remember these key points:
- Use 把 when the object is affected by the action
- The object must be specific (那本书, not 一本书)
- The verb needs something after it (了, complement, location)
- Practice with common patterns until it feels natural
Master 把 sentences and you'll sound much more fluent in your IGCSE Chinese exam!
Master All IGCSE Grammar Patterns
Join Chinese Word Up for complete grammar toolkits, practice exercises, and expert support.