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

  • 这 个 问题 ,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.
  • 美国 历史 ,谁 是 最 重要 的 总统 ?Zài Měiguó lìshǐ shàng, shéi shì zuì zhòngyào de zǒngtǒng ?In American history, who is the most important president?
  • 这个 句子 语法 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 生活 习惯 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 on the topic of 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 + Situation / Condition + 下 ,Result/Comment

Examples

  • 这样 的 环境 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?
  • 这 种 情况 ,你们 会 怎么 做 ?Zài zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng xià, nǐmen huì zěnme zuò?In this situation, what would you do?
  • 那样 困难 的 条件 ,她 还是 坚持 让 孩子们 都 上学 。Zài nàyàng kùnnan de tiáojiàn xià, tā háishì jiānchí ràng háizi men dōu shàngxué.She still insisted that the children should all go to school under the difficult financial condition.
  • 老师 的 鼓励 ,我们 班 有 一半 的 人 都 参加 了 演讲 比赛 。With the encouragement of the teacher, half of our class singed up for the speech contest.

Used with 方面

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

Examples

  • 事业 方面 ,他 很 成功 。Zài shìyè fāngmiàn, tā hěn chénggōng.On the topic of career, he's very successful.
  • 管理 方面 ,你 是 专家 。Zài guǎnlǐ fāngmiàn, nǐ shì zhuānjiā.On the topic of management, you're an expert.
  • 技术 方面 ,我 没有 你 懂 得 多 。Zài jìshù fāngmiàn, wǒ méiyǒu nǐ dǒng de duō.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 。Wǒmen gōngsī zài zhège fāngmiàn de fúwù huì yuèláiyuè hǎo.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 。Zhōng xīfāng wénhuà zài hěn duō fāngmiàn dōu yǒu gòngtóngdiǎn.In certain aspects, Chinese and Western culture have a lot in common.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books