Usage of 送 (sòng)
The verb 送 primarily means "to send" or "to deliver," but it also commonly means "to see off" or "to escort someone." It is used in everyday contexts such as sending items, giving gifts, or accompanying someone to a place.
Common contexts
- Sending or delivering objects: documents, gifts, packages.
- Escorting or seeing someone off: at a station, airport, or door.
- Taking someone somewhere: like children to school or patients to hospital.
Collocations and patterns
- 送 + person + 去 + place: to take or escort someone to a location.
- 送 + 礼物/文件/包裹: to send gifts/documents/packages.
- 来送 + person: to come to see someone off.
Nuances
When using 送 to mean "see off," it implies a personal involvement and care. When used for sending items, it can imply physical delivery or arranging shipment. Avoid confusing 送 with 寄 (jì), which is more formal and specific to mailing.
Register
送 is neutral and widely used in spoken and written Chinese. It is appropriate in casual and formal contexts.