beginnerA1 · TOCFL a1word ordersentence pattern
有
Pattern
Person + 有 + noun
Key words
Core idea
有 says that someone has something. The possessor comes first, then 有, then the thing possessed.
This pattern covers objects, family members, time, money, and other things a person can “have” in a broad sense.
Compare with identity sentences
Use 有 for possession. Use 是 when identifying someone or equating one noun phrase with another.
The same word also appears in existential sentences, where a place or time comes first and the meaning is “there is.”
Examples
我有一支笔。
Wǒ yǒu yì zhī bǐ.
I have a pen.
她有两个妹妹。
Tā yǒu liǎng ge mèimei.
She has two younger sisters.
你有时间吗？
Nǐ yǒu shíjiān ma?
Do you have time?
Common mistakes
Avoid
我是一本书。
Use
我有一本书。
Use 有 for having something. 是 identifies what someone or something is.