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Word

在于 (zài yú) — Chinese word meaning

HSK 5

在于 (zài yú) is a Chinese word: to lie in; to consist in; to depend on. This page shows its pinyin, translation, example sentences, character breakdown, decomposition, and HSK level.

Meaning of 在于

动 dòng verb

to lie in; to consist in; to depend on

成功的关键在于坚持。

chéng gōng de guān jiàn zài yú jiān chí

The key to success lies in persistence.

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Word breakdown

在 zài — to be at; to exist (provides the sense of location or state of being)

Words with this character (18)
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  • 6 在场 zài chǎng — to be present HSK 5
    • 在 to be at/in (indicates presence at a location)
    • 场 scene/place (the location where something occurs)
    Example

    事故发生时，他刚好在场。

    shì gù fā shēng shí tā gāng hǎo zài chǎng

    He happened to be present when the accident occurred.

  • 7 在线 zài xiàn — online HSK 5
    • 在 at/in (indicates a state of being)
    • 线 line (refers to network/internet connection)
    Example

    我一直在线等你的消息。

    wǒ yì zhí zài xiàn děng nǐ de xiāo xi

    I've been online waiting for your message.

  • 8 存在 cún zài — to exist HSK 5
    • 存 to remain, to preserve
    • 在 to be (at a location), present
    Example

    问题依然存在。

    wèn tí yī rán cún zài

    The problem still exists.

  • 9 在意 zài yì — to mind HSK 6
    • 在 to be in (one's mind)
    • 意 mind, thought
    Example

    我不在意别人的看法。

    wǒ bù zài yì bié rén de kàn fǎ

    I don't mind other people's opinions.

  • 10 内在 nèi zài — intrinsic HSK 7
    • 内 inside, inner, internal
    • 在 to exist, to be present
    Example

    内在的价值比外表更重要。

    nèi zài de jià zhí bǐ wài biǎo gèng zhòng yào

    Intrinsic value is more important than appearance.

  • 11 在所难免 zài suǒ nán miǎn — unavoidable, inevitable HSK 7
    • 在 be at/in; indicates the state of being
    • 所 that which; nominalizer marking what follows
    • 难 difficult; indicates difficulty
    • 免 avoid, escape; the action that is difficult to do
    Example

    新手开车，出点小错误在所难免。

    xīn shǒu kāi chē chū diǎn xiǎo cuò wù zài suǒ nán miǎn

    When novices drive, making small mistakes is unavoidable.

  • 12 在职 zài zhí — employed HSK 7
    • 在 being in, at (indicating current state)
    • 职 job, position, office
    Example

    她目前在职,不能全职读书。

    tā mù qián zài zhí bù néng quán zhí dú shū

    She is currently employed and cannot study full-time.

  • 13 外在 wài zài — external HSK 7
    • 外 outer, external
    • 在 existing, being
    Example

    外在美不如内在美重要。

    wài zài měi bù rú nèi zài měi zhòng yào

    External beauty is not as important as internal beauty.

  • 14 好在 hǎo zài — fortunately HSK 7
    • 好 good
    • 在 at, in (here: marks the condition/state)
    Example

    好在他及时赶到了。

    hǎo zài tā jí shí gǎn dào le

    Fortunately he arrived in time.

  • 15 所在 suǒ zài — location HSK 7
    • 所 nominalizing particle indicating 'the place'
    • 在 being located, existing at
    Example

    这个城市是我成长的所在。

    zhè ge chéng shì shì wǒ chéng zhǎng de suǒ zài

    This city is the place where I grew up.

  • 16 旨在 zhǐ zài — be aimed at, aim to HSK 7
    • 旨 purpose, aim, intention
    • 在 at, toward (directional marker)
    Example

    这个项目旨在提高学生的学习能力。

    zhè ge xiàng mù zhǐ zài tí gāo xué sheng de xué xí néng lì

    This project aims to improve students' learning abilities.

  • 17 潜在 qián zài — potential HSK 7
    • 潜 hidden, latent, submerged
    • 在 existing, being present
    Example

    我们需要发现潜在的问题。

    wǒ men xū yào fā xiàn qián zài de wèn tí

    We need to discover potential problems.

  • 18 自在 zì zài — at ease HSK 7
    • 自 self, oneself
    • 在 state of being, exist
    Example

    退休后，他过得很自在。

    tuì xiū hòu tā guò de hěn zì zài

    After retirement, he lives very comfortably.

于 yú — in; at (classical preposition that adds formality and directional meaning)

Words with this character (41)
  • 1 关于 guān yú — about HSK 3
    • 关 relation, concern
    • 于 in, at (classical preposition)
    Example

    这是一本关于中国历史的书。

    zhè shì yī běn guān yú zhōng guó lì shǐ de shū

    This is a book about Chinese history.

  • 2 终于 zhōng yú — finally HSK 3
    • 终 end, final
    • 于 at (indicating point in time)
    Example

    经过多年努力，她终于实现了梦想。

    jīng guò duō nián nǔ lì tā zhōng yú shí xiàn le mèng xiǎng

    After years of effort, she finally realized her dream.

  • 3 于是 yú shì — thereupon, so, consequently HSK 4
    • 于 at, in (classical preposition)
    • 是 this (in classical Chinese)
    Example

    雨停了，于是我们出发了。

    yǔ tíng le yú shì wǒ men chū fā le

    The rain stopped, so we set off.

  • 4 低于 dī yú — below, lower than HSK 4
    • 低 low, lower (provides the core meaning of being at a lower level)
    • 于 than (provides the comparative function to establish comparison)
    Example

    今天的气温低于零度。

    jīn tiān de qì wēn dī yú líng dù

    Today's temperature is below zero degrees.

  • 5 便于 biàn yú — be convenient for HSK 4
    • 便 convenient, easy
    • 于 for, with regard to (preposition)
    Example

    这个设计便于使用。

    zhè ge shè jì biàn yú shǐ yòng

    This design is easy to use.

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  • 6 对于 duì yú — regarding HSK 4
    • 对 toward, facing (directional element)
    • 于 at, in (prepositional function marker)
    Example

    对于这个问题，我有不同的看法。

    duì yú zhè ge wèn tí wǒ yǒu bù tóng de kàn fǎ

    Regarding this question, I have a different view.

  • 7 用于 yòng yú — used for HSK 4
    • 用 to use, to employ
    • 于 in, at, for (preposition indicating purpose)
    Example

    这个软件用于数据分析。

    zhè ge ruǎn jiàn yòng yú shù jù fēn xī

    This software is used for data analysis.

  • 8 由于 yóu yú — due to HSK 4
    • 由 from, originating from (indicates source or cause)
    • 于 grammatical particle completing the prepositional structure
    Example

    由于天气不好，我们取消了旅行。

    yóu yú tiān qì bù hǎo wǒ men qǔ xiāo le lǚ xíng

    Due to bad weather, we cancelled the trip.

  • 9 高于 gāo yú — to be higher than HSK 4
    • 高 high, higher
    • 于 than, compared to
    Example

    今年的收入高于去年。

    jīn nián de shōu rù gāo yú qù nián

    This year's income is higher than last year's.

  • 10 位于 wèi yú — be located at/in HSK 5
    • 位 position, location
    • 于 at, in (preposition)
    Example

    北京位于中国北部。

    Běi jīng wèi yú Zhōng guó běi bù

    Beijing is located in northern China.

  • 11 善于 shàn yú — to be good at HSK 5
    • 善 good, skilled
    • 于 at, in (preposition indicating domain)
    Example

    她善于解决问题。

    tā shàn yú jiě jué wèn tí

    She is good at solving problems.

  • 12 处于 chǔ yú — to be in (a state/position) HSK 5
    • 处 place, position, location
    • 于 in, at (preposition)
    Example

    这个国家处于战争状态。

    zhè ge guó jiā chǔ yú zhàn zhēng zhuàng tài

    This country is in a state of war.

  • 13 大于 dà yú — greater than HSK 5
    • 大 great, large (the 'greater' part of the comparison)
    • 于 than (comparison marker)
    Example

    五大于三。

    wǔ dà yú sān

    Five is greater than three.

  • 14 小于 xiǎo yú — less than HSK 5
    • 小 small, little; indicates the lesser quantity in comparison
    • 于 than; a comparative particle connecting the comparison
    Example

    这个数小于一百。

    zhè ge shù xiǎo yú yì bǎi

    This number is less than one hundred.

  • 15 属于 shǔ yú — to belong to HSK 5
    • 属 to belong, to be classified as
    • 于 to, at (directional complement)
    Example

    这本书属于图书馆。

    zhè běn shū shǔ yú tú shū guǎn

    This book belongs to the library.

  • 16 敢于 gǎn yú — dare to HSK 5
    • 敢 dare, have courage
    • 于 grammatical particle linking to the action (similar to 'to')
    Example

    他敢于面对困难。

    tā gǎn yú miàn duì kùn nán

    He dares to face difficulties.

  • 17 有助于 yǒu zhù yú — be helpful to HSK 5
    • 有 to have (indicates the presence of helpfulness)
    • 助 help, assistance (the core meaning of being helpful)
    • 于 to, for (indicates the target or object of help)
    Example

    运动有助于健康。

    yùn dòng yǒu zhù yú jiàn kāng

    Exercise is helpful to health.

  • 18 等于 děng yú — equal to HSK 5
    • 等 equal
    • 于 to (preposition)
    Example

    三加二等于五。

    sān jiā èr děng yú wǔ

    Three plus two equals five.

  • 19 过于 guò yú — too, excessively HSK 5
    • 过 to exceed, to go beyond
    • 于 grammatical particle completing the adverbial phrase
    Example

    你过于担心了。

    nǐ guò yú dān xīn le

    You're worrying too much.

  • 20 不至于 bú zhì yú — not to the extent of; won't go so far as to HSK 6
    • 不 not (negation)
    • 至 to reach, to the extent of
    • 于 at, in (preposition completing the phrase)
    Example

    虽然他很忙，但不至于连电话都不接。

    suī rán tā hěn máng dàn bú zhì yú lián diàn huà dōu bù jiē

    Although he's busy, he won't go so far as to not answer the phone.

  • 21 乐于 lè yú — be willing to, be happy to HSK 6
    • 乐 happy, pleased; conveys willingness with joy
    • 于 at, in; preposition connecting the attitude to the action
    Example

    他乐于助人。

    tā lè yú zhù rén

    He is willing to help others.

  • 22 出于 chū yú — out of, due to, stem from HSK 6
    • 出 to come out, to originate from
    • 于 from, at (classical preposition marking source)
    Example

    他出于好意帮助了我。

    tā chū yú hǎo yì bāng zhù le wǒ

    He helped me out of goodwill.

  • 23 勇于 yǒng yú — dare to HSK 6
    • 勇 brave, courageous
    • 于 in, at (forms verbal construction expressing willingness/courage to do something)
    Example

    我们要勇于承认错误。

    wǒ men yào yǒng yú chéng rèn cuò wù

    We must dare to admit our mistakes.

  • 24 易于 yì yú — easy to HSK 6
    • 易 easy, simple
    • 于 to, for (preposition introducing the action)
    Example

    这个问题易于理解。

    zhè ge wèn tí yì yú lǐ jiě

    This problem is easy to understand.

  • 25 源于 yuán yú — originate from HSK 6
    • 源 source, origin
    • 于 from, at (indicates source)
    Example

    他的灵感源于日常生活。

    tā de líng gǎn yuán yú rì cháng shēng huó

    His inspiration originates from daily life.

  • 26 至于 zhì yú — as for HSK 6
    • 至 to reach, arriving at (introduces a topic or point)
    • 于 at, in (prepositional marker completing the compound)
    Example

    他去不去我不知道，至于我，我肯定会去的。

    tā qù bù qù wǒ bù zhī dào zhì yú wǒ wǒ kěn dìng huì qù de

    I don't know whether he'll go or not, but as for me, I'll definitely go.

  • 27 限于 xiàn yú — to be limited to HSK 6
    • 限 limit, restrict
    • 于 to, at (preposition indicating the object of limitation)
    Example

    这个活动限于会员参加。

    zhè ge huó dòng xiàn yú huì yuán cān jiā

    This activity is limited to members only.

  • 28 不亚于 bú yà yú — no less than HSK 7
    Example

    她的成就不亚于她的老师。

    tā de chéng jiù bú yà yú tā de lǎo shī

    Her achievements are no less than her teacher's.

  • 29 介于 jiè yú — to lie between HSK 7
    • 介 between, intermediate
    • 于 at, in (positional preposition)
    Example

    这个城市的气候介于温带和亚热带之间。

    zhè ge chéng shì de qì hòu jiè yú wēn dài hé yà rè dài zhī jiān

    This city's climate lies between temperate and subtropical zones.

  • 30 以至于 yǐ zhì yú — so that; to the extent that HSK 7
    • 以 by means of; using (forms part of conjunction)
    • 至 to reach; to arrive at (indicates extent)
    • 于 at; in (preposition completing the conjunction)
    Example

    她太累了，以至于在会议上睡着了。

    tā tài lèi le yǐ zhì yú zài huì yì shàng shuì zháo le

    She was so tired that she fell asleep during the meeting.

  • 31 基于 jī yú — based on HSK 7
    • 基 foundation, basis
    • 于 on, upon (prepositional marker)
    Example

    基于当前情况，我们需要改变计划。

    jī yú dāng qián qíng kuàng wǒ men xū yào gǎi biàn jì huà

    Based on the current situation, we need to change our plans.

  • 32 居于 jū yú — to be located at; to reside in HSK 7
    • 居 to be located; to reside
    • 于 at; in (preposition)
    Example

    这座城市居于国家的中心位置。

    zhè zuò chéng shì jū yú guó jiā de zhōng xīn wèi zhì

    This city is located in the central position of the country.

  • 33 归于 guī yú — to be attributed to HSK 7
    • 归 to return to, to attribute to
    • 于 to (prepositional function)
    Example

    这个成功归于团队的努力。

    zhè ge chéng gōng guī yú tuán duì de nǔ lì

    This success is attributed to the team's efforts.

  • 34 忠于 zhōng yú — be loyal to HSK 7
    • 忠 loyal, faithful, devoted
    • 于 to, toward (indicates the object of loyalty)
    Example

    我们应该忠于祖国。

    wǒ men yīng gāi zhōng yú zǔ guó

    We should be loyal to our country.

  • 35 急于 jí yú — eager to, anxious to HSK 7
    • 急 urgent, hasty, impatient
    • 于 to, in regard to (grammatical particle)
    Example

    我们不要急于下结论。

    wǒ men bù yào jí yú xià jié lùn

    We shouldn't be hasty to draw conclusions.

  • 36 急于求成 jí yú qiú chéng — eager for quick success HSK 7
    • 急 urgent, anxious, hasty
    • 于 at, in (grammatical particle connecting adjective to verb)
    • 求 seek, pursue, strive for
    • 成 success, achievement, completion
    Example

    学习语言不能急于求成，需要循序渐进。

    xué xí yǔ yán bù néng jí yú qiú chéng xū yào xún xù jiàn jìn

    Learning a language cannot be rushed; one needs to proceed step by step.

  • 37 无动于衷 wú dòng yú zhōng — remain indifferent HSK 7
    • 无 no, without
    • 动 move, be emotionally moved
    • 于 in, at (grammatical particle)
    • 衷 heart, innermost feelings
    Example

    面对别人的求助，他总是无动于衷。

    miàn duì bié rén de qiú zhù tā zǒng shì wú dòng yú zhōng

    Facing others' requests for help, he always remains indifferent.

  • 38 无济于事 wú jì yú shì — to no avail; of no help; useless HSK 7
    • 无 without; no (negation)
    • 济 help; benefit; aid
    • 于 to; for; with regard to
    • 事 matter; affair; situation
    Example

    现在后悔也无济于事了。

    xiàn zài hòu huǐ yě wú jì yú shì le

    Regretting it now is of no help.

  • 39 致力于 zhì lì yú — be committed to HSK 7
    • 致 to direct, to devote
    • 力 effort, strength
    • 于 to, toward (preposition)
    Example

    我们公司致力于提供优质服务。

    wǒ men gōng sī zhì lì yú tí gōng yōu zhì fú wù

    Our company is committed to providing quality service.

  • 40 趋于 qū yú — to tend toward HSK 7
    • 趋 to tend, to move toward
    • 于 toward, to (directional preposition)
    Example

    经济趋于稳定。

    jīng jì qū yú wěn dìng

    The economy tends toward stability.

  • 41 鉴于 jiàn yú — in view of, given that, considering HSK 7
    • 鉴 to examine, to consider
    • 于 at, in (preposition linking to what follows)
    Example

    鉴于目前的情况，我们决定推迟会议。

    jiàn yú mù qián de qíng kuàng wǒ men jué dìng tuī chí huì yì

    In view of the current situation, we decided to postpone the meeting.

Structure & writing
1 在 zài — to exist; to live

在 is not used as a component in any other character.

consists of

1.1 才 cái — talent; ability
才 is a component in 6 characters
HSK 1
在 zài to exist; to live
HSK 4
存 cún to exist; to be alive 材 cái timber; wood
HSK 5
团 tuán round; circular 闭 bì to close; to shut
HSK 6
财 cái wealth; money and material resources
1.2 土 tǔ — soil; earth (mixture of sand, clay, etc. on the ground)
土 is a component in 76 characters
HSK 1
再 zài twice; a second time 去 qù to go (away from the speaker, opposite of 来) 在 zài to exist; to live 坐 zuò to sit (resting buttocks on a chair or other surface) 块 kuài lump; chunk; clump
Show more HSK 1 characters (+1)
里 lǐ inner lining (of clothing, bedding, etc.); reverse side of a fabric
HSK 2
周 zhōu periphery; circle 地 dì the Earth, one of the eight planets in the solar system 场 chǎng a place or large area suited for certain needs 坏 huài evil; vicious; destructive 走 zǒu to walk; (of birds or animals) to move the feet forward alternately
HSK 3
城 chéng city wall 境 jìng border; boundary; frontier
HSK 4
压 yā to press down on an object (often from above) 圾 jī used in 垃圾: ① refuse, trash, waste matter; ② fig. harmful elements in society 址 zhǐ location of a building; foundation 垃 lā used in 垃圾 (lājī): ① garbage, refuse ② (attributive) worthless or harmful 基 jī foundation; base of a building
Show more HSK 4 characters (+9)
堂 táng main hall; large imposing room 堵 dǔ to block; to obstruct 塑 sù to model; to sculpt 填 tián to fill up or level a hollow place 增 zēng to increase (opposite of 减) 幸 xìng happy; fortunate 盐 yán salt (chemistry): compound composed of metal ions (including ammonium) and acid radicals 社 shè earth deity, and the place, day, and rites for worshipping it in ancient times 肚 dù belly; abdomen
HSK 5
均 jūn even; equal 型 xíng mold; model 域 yù territory; domain within defined boundaries 培 péi to heap soil around the base of a plant or embankment 堆 duī a pile; a heap of accumulated things
Show more HSK 5 characters (+1)
墙 qiáng wall (built of brick, stone, etc. to support a roof or divide spaces)
HSK 6
吐 tǔ to spit out (something from the mouth) 坛 tán raised platform used for ceremonies such as sacrifices or military oaths, typically built of earth and stone 坡 pō slope; incline 埋 mái to cover with sand, soil, or other material 塔 tǎ pagoda (Buddhist tower, originally housing sacred relics, polygonal or square with tapering tiers)
Show more HSK 6 characters (+4)
壁 bì wall 壤 rǎng loose, soft soil 尘 chén dust, flying dirt 庄 zhuāng village; rural settlement
HSK 7
啬 sè miserly, stingy with money or possessions 圣 shèng supremely exalted and wise 坊 fāng lane or alley (used in urban street names) 坎 kǎn one of the Eight Trigrams, symbol '☵', representing water 坑 kēng pit; hollow depression
Show more HSK 7 characters (+29)
坝 bà dam or embankment built to block or protect against a river 坟 fén grave mound; burial mound 坠 zhuì to fall; to drop down 坦 tǎn flat and wide 坪 píng flat open ground 坷 kě (lit.) used in '坎坷': ① (of roads) bumpy and uneven (opposite of '平坦'); ② figuratively, hardship and frustration; going poorly; unfulfilled 垄 lǒng ridge of soil in a ploughed field for planting crops 垒 lěi defensive wall or fortification in ancient military camps 垦 kěn to reclaim wasteland, to open up land for cultivation 垫 diàn to prop up, pad, or line something to raise, thicken, level, or insulate it 垮 kuǎ to collapse, to cave in 堕 duò to fall, to drop down 堡 bǎo fort; fortress 堤 dī embankment; dike built along a river, lake, or sea 堪 kān can; be able to; be worthy of 塌 tā to collapse, cave in 塘 táng embankment; dike 墅 shù villa; garden-style residence for leisure (usually in suburbs or scenic areas) 墓 mù grave; tomb 墟 xū ruins; a deserted place formerly inhabited by many people 墨 mò ink stick (made from soot or pine smoke); also the liquid ink made by grinding it with water 寺 sì ancient government office 捏 niē to pinch (with thumb and fingers) 杜 dù birchleaf pear tree (a deciduous tree with small, astringent fruit, used as main rootstock for grafting pears) 灶 zào stove or cooking range made of brick, earth, stone, or metal 牡 mǔ male (of birds and animals, opposite of 牝) 疆 jiāng border, boundary 睦 mù harmonious; amicable 赤 chì red; a shade slightly lighter than vermilion

Stroke order

2 于 yú — at; in; on (preposition of place or time)
于 is a component in 2 characters
HSK 7
吁 yù to appeal or call out for a demand 宇 yǔ eaves; by extension, a house or building

于 is an atomic character — it does not decompose further.

Stroke order