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Object pronouns in Mandarin Chinese indicate who receives the action and come in forms for direct, indirect, and sometimes double objects. This guide covers the main object pronouns and key expressions.

Direct Object Pronouns

Direct object pronouns replace the noun that directly receives the action and are usually short forms like tā and wǒ; Mandarin often repeats the full noun for emphasis or clarity.

Key Pronouns

Key direct object pronouns include wǒ (我) for "me," nǐ (你) for "you," tā (他/她/它) for "him/her/it," and the polite form nín (您) for "you" formal.

Fill in the Blank请问(you - polite) 在吗？

Excuse me, are you (polite) there?

Fill in the blank: 请问 ___ (you - polite) 在吗？

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Usage

Mandarin typically uses the full noun or pronoun rather than omitting it, so object pronouns appear in their normal position after the verb or particle like bǎ; sentences with missing pronouns are rare.

Indirect Object Pronouns

Indirect object pronouns mark to or for whom the action is done and often appear as extra phrases introduced by particles like gěi or sòng rather than as short clitics.

Expressions with 给

The particle gěi (给) commonly signals an indirect object and is followed by a noun or pronoun indicating the beneficiary of the action.

Fill in the Blank我把书(to) 你。

I give the book to you.

Insert the particle: 我把书 ___ (to) 你。

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Fill in the Blank请把电话带(to me).

Please bring the phone to me.

Express indirect object: 请把电话带 ___ (to me).

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Double Object Constructions

Mandarin double object sentences can take the form [verb + indirect object + direct object] or use gěi to introduce the indirect object; pronouns follow the same order.

Which sentences use double objects correctly? (choose all that apply)

妈妈做了饭给我们

妈妈给做了饭我们

他给我买书给

我礼物给了老师

我给了老师礼物

他买书给我

Special Pronouns

Special pronouns like ziji (自己) for emphasis and reflexivity, and polite forms such as nín (您), appear in object position to clarify or show respect; ziji can replace or reinforce an object.

Fill in the Blank他喜欢(himself).

He likes himself.

Emphasize the object: 他喜欢 ___ (himself).

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Summary

Mandarin object pronouns keep their normal word order and typically appear as full pronouns rather than being cliticized or dropped; use particles like gěi to mark indirect objects and ziji for emphasis when needed.