Common Prepositions
Prepositions show relationships between things in space, time, and more. This guide covers frequent prepositions with short examples.
in
Zài 在 is used to indicate location or time when something is "in" or "at" a place or period.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 在房间里 | zài fángjiān lǐ | in the room |
| 在三点钟 | zài sān diǎn zhōng | at three o'clock |
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on
Shàng 上 indicates something is physically or figurally "on" a surface or part of a larger whole.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 桌子上 | zhuōzi shàng | on the table |
| 墙上 | qiáng shàng | on the wall |
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at
Dì 第 marks ordinal numbers rather than "at" and Zài 在 is used for locations or times "at" a specific place or moment.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 在学校 | zài xuéxiào | at school |
| 在门口 | zài ménkǒu | at the doorway |
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to
Dào 到 marks a destination or endpoint when moving "to" a place.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 到公园 | dào gōngyuán | to the park |
| 到家 | dào jiā | home (to home) |
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from
Cóng 从 indicates the starting point "from" a place or time.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 从学校来 | cóng xuéxiào lái | come from school |
| 从早上开始 | cóng zǎoshang kāishǐ | start from the morning |
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for
Wèi 为 (or more commonly gèngduō rén more people) marks a beneficiary "for" someone, while time durations use other constructions.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 为你做的 | wèi nǐ zuò de | made for you |
| 给他买的 | gěi tā mǎi de | bought for him |
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about
Guānyú 关于 introduces a topic "about" something in speech and writing.
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 关于计划 | guānyú jìhuà | about the plan |
| 关于他的问题 | guānyú tā de wèntí | about his question |
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Summary
Prepositions like Zài 在, Shàng 上, Dào 到, and Cóng 从 guide you in describing location, direction, and time. Learn a few common expressions and practice with real examples to make them natural.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025