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借
jiè
Original teaching content · provenance and version
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Mandarin pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Previously approved by project reviewer
- pinyin
- jiè
- simplified
- 借
- traditional
- 借
1 · verb
To borrow something from someone for temporary use.
把别人的东西暂时拿来使用，之后归还。
This sense covers borrowing. In 我向她借书, I receive the book; 她借给我书 describes her lending it to me.
Can I borrow your umbrella?
English pronunciation · Device-generated pronunciation (depends on browser and system voices)
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我可以借一下你的伞吗？
Share this public expressionMandarin pronunciation · Device-generated pronunciation (depends on browser and system voices)
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I borrowed two books from the library.
English pronunciation · Device-generated pronunciation (depends on browser and system voices)
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我从图书馆借了两本书。
Share this public expressionMandarin pronunciation · Device-generated pronunciation (depends on browser and system voices)
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Jiè has the fourth tone. Identify who gives and who receives the item.
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2 · verb
To obtain someone else’s item temporarily with permission, intending to return it.
经同意暂时取得别人的物品使用，并打算归还。
向某人借 makes the borrowing direction explicit. Lending in 借给某人 is a separate sense.
I borrowed a ruler from my desk mate and will return it to her when I am done.
English pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Candidate — listening review pending
我向同桌借了一把尺子，用完就还给她。
Share this public expressionMandarin pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Previously approved by project reviewer
Before setting off, he borrowed a large backpack from a friend.
English pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Candidate — listening review pending
出发前，他向朋友借了一个大背包。
Share this public expressionMandarin pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Previously approved by project reviewer
Connect this word to your life
Mandarin reading: jiè.
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Related senses in the other language
These links apply to the listed senses, not every use of each word.
borrow — To take something for temporary use, with the intention of giving it back.