verb HSK 2
Traditional
bāng
to help · to assist

Meaning

is one of the most common verbs in Mandarin meaning 'to help' or 'to assist.' It's used in everyday conversation when someone offers aid or does something for another person. The verb often appears in the pattern + person + verb, meaning 'to help someone do something.'

Usage

Native speakers use constantly in daily life, from asking small favors to offering assistance. It's casual and appropriate in all registers. The most common patterns are 忙 (bāng máng, 'to help out') and + someone + do something. When followed directly by a noun, it often uses 助 instead.

Examples

  1. 01
    你能我拿一下这个包吗?
    néng bāng yīxià zhège bāo ma?
    Can you help me hold this bag for a moment?
  2. 02
    谢谢你我解决了这个问题。
    Xièxiè bāng jiějué le zhège wèntí.
    Thank you for helping me solve this problem.

Common collocations

  • bāng máng
    to help out, to do a favor
  • 我一个忙
    bāng máng
    do me a favor
  • 倒忙
    bāng dào máng
    to cause more trouble while trying to help

Antonyms

Origin

The traditional form originally depicted strips of cloth bound together, symbolizing mutual support and assistance. The simplified form replaced the right component but retained the same meaning.

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