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Level

[B1](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/B1_grammar_points)

Similar to

- \[...\_shang\_/\_xia\_/\_li%22 Expressing location with "zai... shang / xia / li"\] (A2) - [Expressing various aspects with "yi fangmian"](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Expressing_various_aspects_with_%22yi_fangmian%22) (B1) - [Expressing "on the basis of" with "ping"](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Expressing_%22on_the_basis_of%22_with_%22ping%22) (B2) - \[...\_nei%22 Expressing "within" a period of time using "zai... nei"\] (B2)

Used for

[Expressing location](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Expressing_location), [Indicating conditions](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Indicating_conditions)

Keywords

[在](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E5%9C%A8), [上](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E4%B8%8A), [下](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E4%B8%8B), [方面](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E6%96%B9%E9%9D%A2)

Translations

[in](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/In), [at](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/At), [on](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/On)

[![在 (zài).jpeg](Idiomatic%20phrases%20with%20%22zai%22%20-%20Chinese%20Grammar%20Wiki_fichiers/300px-_zi.jpeg "fig:在 (zài).jpeg"){width="300" height="300"}](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/File:%E5%9C%A8_(z%C3%A0i).jpeg)

You probably already know how to \[...\_shang\_/\_xia\_/\_li%22 express location with 在\]. 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.

Contents -------- [hide]([# "wikilink")\]

- [1 Used with 上](#Used_with_.E4.B8.8A "wikilink") - [1.1 Structure](#Structure "wikilink") - [1.2 Examples](#Examples "wikilink") - [2 Used with 下](#Used_with_.E4.B8.8B "wikilink") - [2.1 Structure](#Structure_2 "wikilink") - [2.2 Examples](#Examples_2 "wikilink") - [3 Used with 方面](#Used_with_.E6.96.B9.E9.9D.A2 "wikilink") - [3.1 Structure](#Structure_3 "wikilink") - [3.2 Examples](#Examples_3 "wikilink") - [4 See also](#See_also "wikilink") - [5 Sources and further reading](#Sources_and_further_reading "wikilink") - [5.1 Books](#Books "wikilink")

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](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Using_%22zai%22_with_verbs) - ["Zai" following verbs](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%22Zai%22_following_verbs) - [Expressing existence in a place](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Expressing_existence_in_a_place) Sources and further reading --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Books - [Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Integrated_Chinese:_Level_2,_Part_1) (pp. 191) [→buy](http://amzn.to/2fdV2l3) - [Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Integrated_Chinese:_Level_2,_Part_2) (pp. 264, 325) [→buy](http://amzn.to/2ftpILV) - [New Practical Chinese Reader 4 (新实用汉语课本4)](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/New_Practical_Chinese_Reader_4_(%E6%96%B0%E5%AE%9E%E7%94%A8%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%E8%AF%BE%E6%9C%AC4)) (pp. 40-1, 164-5, 185) [→buy](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/7561913192/ref%3das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=allset-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=7561913192) - [卓越汉语－公司实战篇](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E5%8D%93%E8%B6%8A%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%EF%BC%8D%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8%E5%AE%9E%E6%88%98%E7%AF%87) (pp. 42, 145) \[ →buy\] \

[Category](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Special:Categories): - [B1 grammar points](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Category:B1_grammar_points)

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