beginnerA1 · TOCFL a1word ordersentence pattern
有
Pattern
有 + noun phrase + predicate
Key words
Core idea
A sentence can begin with 有 plus a noun phrase, then continue with a predicate about that noun phrase. The meaning is like “there is someone/something that...”
This pattern introduces an indefinite participant into the sentence.
Compare with basic existential sentences
Basic existential sentences often start with a place or time. This pattern starts directly with 有 because the point is to introduce a participant, not locate it first.
Examples
有人在门口等你。
Yǒu rén zài ménkǒu děng nǐ.
Someone is waiting for you at the door.
有学生想问问题。
Yǒu xuéshēng xiǎng wèn wèntí.
There are students who want to ask questions.
有一只猫跑进来。
Yǒu yì zhī māo pǎo jìn lai.
A cat ran in.
Common mistakes
Avoid
有人。等你。
Use
有人在门口等你。
The noun after 有 can continue into the following predicate in the same sentence.