HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#74

Advanced Uses of “bǎ”

把字句（进阶）

bǎ zìjù

How it works

At HSK5 level, 把 (bǎ) sentences are used in more complex ways. They may include:

longer objects

abstract objects

result complements

direction complements

disposal meaning in formal or complicated contexts

The key idea of the 把 (bǎ) sentence is still that the speaker emphasizes how the object is handled, changed, moved, arranged, or affected.

Subject + 把 (bǎ) + Object + Verb + Result / Complement / Phrase

他花了整整一个下午，才把这些材料按时间顺序整理清楚。

Tā huā le zhěngzhěng yí ge xiàwǔ, cái bǎ zhèxiē cáiliào àn shíjiān shùnxù zhěnglǐ qīngchu.

He spent the entire afternoon before finally sorting these materials clearly in time order.

请你先把自己真正想表达的意思想明白，再跟大家解释。

Qǐng nǐ xiān bǎ zìjǐ zhēnzhèng xiǎng biǎodá de yìsi xiǎng míngbai, zài gēn dàjiā jiěshì.

Please first make clear to yourself what you truly want to express, and then explain it to everyone.

这次经历让我意识到，不能总是把希望寄托在别人身上。

Zhè cì jīnglì ràng wǒ yìshí dào, bù néng zǒngshì bǎ xīwàng jìtuō zài biérén shēnshang.

This experience made me realize that one cannot always place one’s hopes on others.

At HSK5, students should learn to use 把 (bǎ) not only with concrete objects, but also with abstract meanings.