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.

1 Used with 上

1.1 Structure
1.2 Examples

2 Used with 下

2.1 Structure
2.2 Examples

3 Used with 方面

3.1 Structure
3.2 Examples

4 See also
5 Sources and further reading

5.1 Books

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

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

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

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.

Idiomatic phrases with "zai"

Contents

Used with 上

Structure

Examples

Used with 下

Structure

Examples

Used with 方面

Structure

Examples

See also

Sources and further reading

Books