Idiomatic phrases with "zai"

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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.
  • 在 技术 上，这样 做 是 可以 的。In terms of technique, this way of doing things works.
  • 中国和美国的大学在 教学方法上有很大的不同。.
  • 这个句子在 语法 上是可以说的，就是不太自然。
  • 在美国历史上，最重要的总统是谁？.
  • 你知道南方人和北方人在 生活习惯上有什么不同吗？.

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 越 来 越 大 的 工作 压力 下，他 辞职 了。Under bigger and bigger pressure, he resigned.
  • 在 太太 的 支持 下，我 自己 开 了 一 个 公司。With the support of my wife, I was able to start my own business.
  • 在当地 政府 的 资助下，他 上完 了 大学。With the financial help of the local government, he was able to finish college education.
  • 在 这样 的 环境 下，孩子 怎么 能 快乐 地 成长？How can kids grow up happily in this kind of environment?

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

  • 在 教育 方面，中国 还 有 很 大 的 问题。On the topic of education, China still has 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.


See Also

Sources and Further Readings

Books


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