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.

Used with 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.

Structure

在 + Topic + 上 ，Subj. ⋯⋯

Note that the subject can also be put before 在.

Examples

• 在 这 个 问题 上 ，我们 的 看法 是 一样 的 。Zài zhè gè wèntí shàng, wǒmen de kànfǎ shì yīyàng de.In regards to this problem, our opinions are the same.
• 在 美国 历史 上 ，谁 是 最 重要 的 总统 ？Zài Měiguó lìshǐ shàng, shéi shì zuì zhòngyào de zǒngtǒng ?In regards to American history, who is the most important president?
• 这个 句子 在 语法 上 没 什么 问题 ，但是 不 太 自然 。Zhège jùzi zài yǔfǎ shàng méi shénme wèntí, dànshì bù tài zìrán.This sentence is okay to say in terms of grammar, it's just not very natural.
• 南方人 和 北方人 在 生活 习惯 上 有 很多 差异 。Nánfāng rén hé běifāng rén zài shēnghuó xíguàn shàng yǒu hěn duō chāyì.There are many differences between northern and southern people when it comes to living habits.

Used with 下

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

Structure

在 ⋯⋯ 下 ，⋯⋯

Examples

• 在 这样 的 环境 下 长大 ，孩子 会 快乐 吗 ？Zài zhèyàng de huánjìng xià zhǎngdà, háizi huì kuàilè ma?Do you think kids will be happy growing up in this kind of environment?
• 在 这 种 情况下 ，你们 会 怎么 做 ？Zài zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng xià, nǐmen huì zěnme zuò?In this situation, what would you do?
• 在 紧急 情况 下 ，你 可以 这样 做 。Zài jǐnjí qíngkuàng xià, nǐ kěyǐ zhèyàng zuò.In emergencies, you can do this.
• 在 那么 困难 的 条件 下 ，她 还是 坚持 让 孩子们 都 上学 。Zài nàme kùnnan de tiáojiàn xià, tā háishì jiānchí ràng háizi men dōu shàngxué. Even under difficult financial constraints, she still insisted that the children should all go to school.

Used with 方面

This construction is similar to the 在⋯⋯上 above, which translates to "in relation to" or "on the topic of."

Structure

在 + Topic + 方面 ，Subj. ⋯⋯

Examples

• 在 事业 方面 ，我 老板 很 成功 。Zài shìyè fāngmiàn, wǒ lǎobǎn hěn chénggōng.On the topic of career, my boss is very successful.
• 在 技术 方面 ，他 是 专家 。Zài jìshù fāngmiàn, tā shì zhuānjiā.When it comes to technology, he's an expert.
• 在 管理 方面 ，你 比 我 有经验 。Zài guǎnlǐ fāngmiàn, nǐ bǐ wǒ yǒu jīngyàn.When it comes to management, you have more experience than I do.
• 中 西方 文化 在 很多 方面 都 有 共同点 。Zhōng xīfāng wénhuà zài hěn duō fāngmiàn dōu yǒu gòngtóngdiǎn.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 reading

Books

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