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
Sources and Further
Readings
Books
Category:B1 grammar points