Prepositional Phrases
Spoken Description
学习常用介词短语和位置短语，讲解结构、用法和交际场景。通过示例、练习和搭配，帮助初学者在日常对话和写作中更自然地使用中文短语。
Learn common prepositional phrases and prepositions, focusing on structure, usage, and real-life examples. Through practical exercises, build confidence in using Chinese prepositional phrases in everyday conversation and writing.
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Prepositional phrases in Mandarin Chinese show relationships like location, direction, time, and cause by attaching small words called prepositions or coverbs to a noun or phrase. This guide goes through common prepositions with examples.
以 yǐ (by / with)
The preposition 以 (yǐ 以) marks the means, instrument, or standard by which something is done and is often used in more formal contexts. It can be followed by a noun, phrase, or clause that specifies the method or criterion.
Examples
给 gěi (to / for / give)
给 (gěi 给) functions both as a verb meaning "to give" and as a preposition marking the beneficiary or recipient of an action when placed before a noun or pronoun. It signals who receives something or for whom something is done.
Examples
用 yòng (to use / with)
用 (yòng 用) marks the instrument, tool, or material used to carry out an action. It can be followed by a noun or phrase specifying what is employed to do something and appears in both spoken and written language.
Examples
对 duì (towards / to / for)
对 (duì 对) indicates the target, recipient, or direction of an attitude, action, or effect. It is commonly used with verbs of feeling, communication, and influence to mark what something is directed at, such as a person, group, or idea.
Examples
从 cóng (from / since)
从 (cóng 从) marks the starting point of an action in terms of place, time, or origin. It shows where or when something begins and can be followed by a noun, time expression, or clause.
Examples
在 zài (at / in / on)
在 (zài 在) is a fundamental preposition marking location or time. It indicates where something is situated or when an event occurs and is followed by a place noun or time phrase. It can also function as a verb meaning "to be at."
Examples
为 wèi (for / because of / to)
为 (wèi 为) marks purpose, cause, or beneficiary and is often used in formal contexts. It can precede a noun, pronoun, or clause that explains for whom or for what reason an action is done.
Examples
关于 guānyú (about / concerning)
关于 (guānyú 关于) introduces the topic or subject matter of a statement, discussion, or document. It signals that what follows relates to a particular theme or issue and is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
Examples
通过 tōngguò (through / by means of)
通过 (tōngguò 通过) indicates the channel, method, or process by which something is achieved. It can mark passage through a place, approval via a procedure, or accomplishment by means of something and is used in formal and informal contexts.
Examples
Summary
Prepositional phrases consistently place a small word like 以, 给, 用, 对, 从, 在, 为, 关于, or 通过 before a noun or phrase to show relationships such as means, recipient, instrument, target, origin, location, purpose, topic, or method. Learning common prepositions and practicing them in context will make your sentences more precise and natural.
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