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.

"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.

Structure

在 + Topic + 上 ,⋯⋯

Examples

  • 这 个 问题 ,我们 的 看法 不 一样 。In regards to this problem, our opinions are not the same.
  • 这 两 位 汉语 老师 教学 方法 很 不 一样 。These two Chinese teachers are very different in their teaching methods.
  • 这个 句子 语法 没 什么 问题 ,但是 不 太 地道 。This sentence is okay to say in terms of grammar, it's just not very authentic.
  • 美国 历史 ,最 重要 的 总统 是 谁 ?In American history, who is the most important president?
  • 南方人 和 北方人 生活 习惯 有 很多 差异 。 There are big differences between northern and southern people on the topic of living habits.

"under" with 在⋯⋯下

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

Structure

在 + Situation / Condition + 下 ,Result/Comment

Examples

  • 这样 的 环境 长大 ,孩子 怎么 可能 会 快乐?How can kids be happy growing up in this kind of environment?
  • 这种 情况,你 会 怎么 做 ?In this situation, what would you do?
  • 我 想 知道 这 种 条件 ,你们 是 怎么 做到 的 ?I wonder how you pulled this off under this condition?
  • 政府 的 帮助,他 读 完 了 大学。With the financial help of the government, he was able to finish college education.
  • 老师 的 鼓励 ,我 去 报名 了 。With the encouragement of the teacher, I went to sign up.

"under" with 在⋯⋯方面

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

Examples

  • 管理 方面 ,他 是 专家 。On the topic of management, he is an expert.
  • 技术 方面 ,我 懂 得 没有 你 多 。On the topic of technology, my knowledge is a lot less than yours.
  • 我们 公司 这个 方面 的 服务 会 越来越 好 。Our company's service related to this part will be better and better.
  • 中 西方 文化 很多 方面 都 有 共同点 。In certain aspects, Chinese and Western culture have a lot in common.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books