把
Pattern
Subject + 把 + object + verb + 到 / 在 + place
Key words
Core idea
Use 把 when the sentence highlights what happens to a known object.
For moving or placing something, the pattern is often:
把 + object + move/place verb + destinationWhy it helps
The object comes early, then the rest of the sentence explains its new location. This makes 把 especially natural with verbs like put, move, take, carry, drive, or send.
Usage boundary
The object should be specific enough for the listener to know what you mean. This pattern is not just a different word order for every sentence with an object; it is best when the object undergoes a clear change of place.
Examples
请把杯子放在桌上。
Qǐng bǎ bēizi fàng zài zhuō shàng.
Please put the cup on the table.
他把车开到学校。
Tā bǎ chē kāi dào xuéxiào.
He drove the car to school.
我把椅子搬到门口。
Wǒ bǎ yǐzi bān dào ménkǒu.
I moved the chair to the doorway.
Common mistakes
Avoid
请把杯子在桌上放。
Use
请把杯子放在桌上。
After 把, show what happens to the object: action verb first, then the resulting location.
Seen in stories
The Map on the Wrong Wall
他把地图从东墙取下来。
He takes the map down from the east wall.
The Map on the Wrong Wall
馆长还没到，他就把地图贴到西墙。
Before the director arrives, he puts the map on the west wall.
The Map on the Wrong Wall
有人把手机指南针打开，看了很久。
Someone opens a phone compass and looks for a long time.
The Map on the Wrong Wall
小白把地图转了九十度，整个展厅突然对上了。
Xiao Bai turns the map ninety degrees, and the whole exhibition hall suddenly lines up.
The Map on the Wrong Wall
他没有生气，只把说明牌也搬到旁边。
He does not get angry; he simply moves the explanation sign beside it too.
Show 3 more story examples
The Accidental Livestream
经理把镜头转向白板，只留下“请稍等”三个字。
The manager turned the camera toward the whiteboard and left only the words “please wait.”
The Rooftop Bento Party
为了不打扰楼下，管委会把桌子排在靠近水塔的那一边。
In order not to disturb the downstairs neighbors, the committee arranged the tables near the water tower.
The Wrong Locker Code
林悦只好把猫粮放在物业前台，还写了一张说明。
Lin Yue had no choice but to leave the cat food at the property desk and write a note.