Learn common English prepositions: position (in, on, under, front, back), time (to, from, at, before, after), direction (to, towards, along), and relationship words (of, to, for, and). Includes example sentences and collocation tips for constructing clearer sentences. Suitable for beginners.
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Prepositions in Mandarin often consist of short particles or small phrases that show relationships like location, time, direction, cause, and manner. Learn each one in typical contexts to feel how they guide meaning.
Key Prepositions
Key prepositions include zài (在) for location and time, gěi (给) for giving or benefiting, duì (对) for direction or attitude, cóng (从) for origin or starting point, and yǐ (以) for manner or reason. These small words shape how elements connect in a sentence.
在 (zài)
Zài (在) 标示动作发生的地点或时间。有时也跟随地点或时间短语。
Zài (在) marks where an action happens or sometimes when it happens. It can be followed by a place or time phrase.
Gěi (给) signals giving, showing direction toward a person, or sometimes marking the recipient of an action. It can introduce a beneficiary or be used before someone who receives something.
Duì (对) indicates direction of an action, an attitude toward something, or a target of affect. It often appears before a person, group, or thing that is the focus of an action or opinion.
Hanzi Character(s)
Pinyin Word(s)
English Translation(s)
对
duì
toward; to; for
从 (cóng)
Cóng (从) 标记空间、时间或源头的起点。它显示行动开始的地点或事物的出处。
Cóng (从) marks starting points in space, time, or source. It shows where an action begins or where something originates.
Hanzi Character(s)
Pinyin Word(s)
English Translation(s)
从
cóng
from; since; through
以 (yǐ)
Yǐ (以) 更正式，表示方式、方法、原因或依据。常出现在成语和书面或官方用语中。
Yǐ (以) is more formal and marks manner, method, cause, or basis. It appears in set phrases and sometimes in written or official language.
Hanzi Character(s)
Pinyin Word(s)
English Translation(s)
以
yǐ
by; with; according to
Other Useful Prepositions
Other common prepositions include wèi (为) for "for" or "because of," duìyú (对于) for "regarding," glàn (约) for "approximately," and yǐn (因) for "due to." These add nuance in cause, benefit, or reference.
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Summary
Prepositions are small but powerful words that signal relationships of place, time, direction, cause, and more. Focus on common particles like zài (在), gěi (给), duì (对), cóng (从), and yǐ (以), and learn them in short example sentences to feel their function in natural speech.
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