Learn Chinese: Prepositions
Explore the usage of prepositions in Chinese language to connect elements within sentences.
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开 (kāi)
on
In the Chinese language, '开' is a translation of the English word 'on' and it is primarily used to state that something is turned on or in operation. Its usage can be similar to the English use of 'on' as in examples like 'the light is on' or 'the computer is on', where in Chinese we may say '灯开了' or '电脑开了'.
Example sentences with 开 →当...的时候 (dang...de shi hou)
while
The Chinese phrase '当...的时候' is an equivalent to the English word 'while'. It is most commonly used to indicate during the time that or at the same time as something else is happening.
更少 (gèng shǎo)
less
The Chinese word '更少' is often used to express 'less' or 'lesser' in English, often used to compare quantities, sizes, extents or amounts. It forms part of a comparative in sentences where you want to express a degree that is below average or below the general level.
Example sentences with 更少 →朝 (cháo)
towards
The Chinese word '朝' is used much like 'towards' in English. It is used to indicate the direction or positioning of something moving or facing towards a particular point or object. Note that the usage in some complex sentence structures may vary.
Example sentences with 朝 →横过 (héng guò)
across
The Chinese word '横过' is often used to communicate the concept of moving or looking from one side to another, particularly in a sideways or diagonal way. It can refer to physically crossing over a space such as a room or street, as well as more metaphorical uses, representing moving across a range or spread of something.
Example sentences with 横过 →没有 (méi yǒu)
without
The Chinese word '没有' is used to express a lack of something, or the absence of something or someone. It is analogous to the English word 'without'. '没有' can also be used to deny the existence of something or to give a negative response.
沿着 (yán zhe)
along
In Chinese context, '沿着' is used to describe something following or moving in a constant direction on (a path or any more or less horizontal surface). It is often used in sentences to describe going through a path, like driving 'along' the road.
由 (yóu)
by
The Chinese character '由' has similar uses to the English word 'by'. It can be used to represent the action performed by the subject, similar to how 'by' is used in passive sentences. Note that '由' can also have other interpretations depending on the context in which it is used.
Example sentences with 由 →直到 (zhí dào)
until
'直到' is used as a conjunction in Chinese language. It is used to mark the end point of time or condition, similar to how 'until' is used in English. It implies that the action continues and then stops at the point specified.
相反 (xiāng fǎn)
opposite
The word '相反' in Chinese carries the same meaning as 'opposite' in English. It is used to show a complete contrast between two objects, ideas, or people. For instance, if you want to point out that two people's ideas are completely different, you can say '他们的想法相反'.
Example sentences with 相反 →自从 (zì cóng)
since
In Chinese, '自从' is a compound conjunction used to indicate the starting point of a time period. It corresponds to 'since' in English. It is often used in sentences to precede the clause that contains the time point when an action started or a situation began. Also, it is always used with '以后' which marks the period after the time point.
贯穿 (guàn chuān)
throughout
The Chinese word '贯穿' is used in a similar way to 'throughout' in English. It has the connotation of describing something that is ongoing or continuing from the beginning to the end. It can refer to time spans (all day, all year) or to physical or metaphorical spaces or extents (in every part of a building, through every aspect of a curriculum for example).
Example sentences with 贯穿 →超出 (Chāo chū)
beyond
The Chinese term '超出' is often used to indicate something that is exceeding or 'beyond' a certain limit or boundary. It is used in similar contexts as the English term, such as going 'beyond' a physical place, exceeding an amount or level, or surpassing expectations.
过 (guò)
over
The Chinese word '过' can be used to indicate a state of 'having been through' or 'having done' something. It is largely used similar to 'over' in English, often used in a past tense context to indicate that an event or action has been completed or passed. Also, it is a common word used in daily life.
过去 (guò qù)
past
In Chinese, the word '过去' is the direct translation for 'past' and it is used to refer to something that happened previously or in earlier times. This word is commonly used in everyday conversation and in various contexts, just like it's English counterpart.
进入 (jìn rù)
into
The Chinese word '进入' is used similarly to 'into' in English. It typically indicates the action of entering a place or a state of being. An example can be '进入了一个新的阶段' which translates to 'entered a new phase'.
通过 (tōng guò)
through
The Chinese word '通过' is usually used to describe the particular action of passing or moving through something. It could also mean to be approved or accepted, similar to the English word 'through' when it's used to signify completion of a process or procedure.
酒吧 (jiǔbā)
bar
The Chinese word for bar is '酒吧' (jiǔbā). This word is often used in the same context as it is in English – a place where people gather to drink alcoholic beverages. However, it can also refer to a coffee bar or other similar establishments.
Example sentences with 酒吧 →里面 (lǐmiàn)
inside
The Chinese word '里面' is commonly used to express 'inside' or 'in' in English. It is mainly used as a locative noun or directional complement in sentences.
Example sentences with 里面 →除了 (chú le)
except
In Chinese, '除了' is equivalent to the English word 'except'. It is used when you want to exclude something specific from a general statement. This word is often used in sentences to highlight an exception or something that doesn’t follow the same pattern.
Example sentences with 除了 →Page 2 of 2
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