Idiomatic phrases with "zai"

You probably already know how to express location with "在". In this article, we'll go more in depth as to how you can make idiomatic phrases using that construction. This kind of form is actually similar to some that we have in English, so it won't be too difficult.

Expressing "on the topic of" with "在...上"

This construction can be translated as "on the topic of" or "in regards to." It can be used to comment on an idea or concept. The examples below will help.

在 + Abstract Concepts + 上, Comment Sentence

Examples

• 在 这 个 问题 上，我们 的 看法 不 一样。In regards to this problem, our perspective is not the same.
• 中国 和 美国 的 大学 在 教学 方法 上 有 很 大 的 不同。As far as teaching methods, Chinese and American universities have big differences.
• 这个 句子 在 语法 上 是 可以 说 的，就是 不 太 自然。This sentence is okay to say in terms of grammar, it's just not very natural.
• 在美国 历史 上，最 重要 的 总统 是 谁？In American history, who is the most important president?
• 你 知道 南方人 和 北方人 在 生活 习惯 上 有 什么 不同 吗？Do you know what the differences are between northern and southern people as far as living habits?

Expressing "under" with "在...下"

This construction can be translated (rather directly) as "under" and expresses conditions that affected the comment that comes after.

在 + Abstract Concept + 下， Result/Comment Sentence

Examples

• 在 这样 的 环境 下长大，孩子 怎么 可能 会 快乐？How can kids be happy growing up in this kind of environment?
• 在 这种 情况下，你 会 怎么 做？In this situation, what would you do?
• 在 这样 的 天气 条件下开车 是 很 不 安全 的。Under these weather conditions, driving is very unsafe.
• 在 老师 的 鼓励 下，我 决定 去 参加 这个面试。With the encouragement of the teacher, I have decided to go participate in this interview.
• 在 朋友 的 支持 下，我 自己 开 了 一 个 公司。With the support of my friends, I was able to start my own business.
• 在政府 的 帮助下，他 读 完 了 四年大学。With the financial help of the government, he was able to finish four year college education.

Expressing "on the topic of" with "在...方面"

This construction is very similar to the "在...上" above. It translates to "in relation to" or "on the topic of".

在 + Abstract Concept + 方面, Comment Sentence

Examples

• 很多 中国 父母在家庭 教育 方面还有 很多 问题。On the topic of raising children, Chinese parents still have a lot of problems.
• 在 工资 方面，我 觉得 我们 还 要 再 讨论 一下。On the topic of salaries, I think we should discuss a little more.
• 在 网游 方面，他 是 专家。On the topic of online games, he is an expert.
• 我们 公司在 这些方面 的 服务 还不够好 。In these aspects, our company's service is not good enough.
• 他刚来公司不久，在 工作 方面，还需要你多帮帮他。He hasn't been at the company very long. As far as doing his work, he still needs you to help him.
• 中西方文化在 某些 方面是有很多共同点的。In certain aspects, Chinese and Western culture have a lot in common.

See Also

• Using "zai" with verbs
• "Zai" following verbs
• Expressing existence in a place

Sources and Further Readings

Books

• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (p. 191) →buy
• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2 (pp. 264, 325)→buy
• New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4) (pp. 40-1, 164-5, 185) →buy
• 卓越汉语－公司实战篇 (p. 42, 145) →buy