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Character Breakdown

Basic Uses

The character (yǒu) is one of the most fundamental verbs in Mandarin. It primarily means "to have" when the subject possesses something, and "there is/are" when indicating existence or presence.

Common Patterns

  • + noun: to express possession, e.g., (have a book).
  • + location + noun: to indicate existence at a place, e.g., (there are people here).
  • + time: to ask about availability, e.g., 时间?(Do you have time?).

Usage Notes

When used to express possession, is often followed directly by the object. When indicating existence, usually appears before the location or the thing that exists. It is a very common verb and appears in many fixed expressions and questions. Avoid confusing with (to be), as focuses on possession or existence, not identity or description.

Example Sentences

I have a book.

There are many people here.

Do you have time?