How to use 在…上、在…下
在 + Topic + 上 ，Subj. ⋯⋯
在 combines with location words to frame abstract ideas as well as physical places. 在…上 often names the issue or field in which a comment applies. 在…方面 similarly introduces an aspect of a broader subject, making it useful for discussing skills, work, habits, or differences. These phrases generally appear before the main predicate.
在…下 instead describes the conditions or circumstances surrounding an action. Choose 上, 下, or 方面 according to the relationship you need, rather than translating English “in” mechanically. The phrase can lead the sentence or follow its subject. With any of these frames, make sure the following comment actually concerns the topic, aspect, or circumstances introduced.
Examples with pinyin and English
在这个问题上，我们的看法是一样的。
In regards to this problem, our opinions are the same.
在美国历史上，谁是最重要的总统？
In regards to American history, who is the most important president?
这个句子在语法上没什么问题，但是不太自然。
This sentence is okay to say in terms of grammar, it's just not very natural.
南方人和北方人在生活习惯上有很多差异。
There are many differences between northern and southern people when it comes to living habits.
在这种情况下，你们会怎么做？
Under these kinds of circumstances, what would you do?
在技术方面，他是专家。
When it comes to technology, he's an expert.
What to remember
- 上 often frames a topic or field.
- 下 introduces surrounding conditions.
- 方面 identifies a particular aspect.
Practise the pattern
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.