{"id":8743,"date":"2017-06-25T04:12:19","date_gmt":"2017-06-25T04:12:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/?p=8743"},"modified":"2023-08-31T05:44:21","modified_gmt":"2023-08-31T05:44:21","slug":"two-commonly-confused-chinese-grammar-structures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/two-commonly-confused-chinese-grammar-structures.html","title":{"rendered":"Mastering Chinese Prepositions: When to Use \u4ece, \u79bb, \u5411 and \u5f80"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve been learning Mandarin for over a year, you’ve probably come across a situation where you have to choose between using \u4ece(c\u00f3ng) or \u79bb(l\u00ed), or \u5411(xi\u00e0ng) or \u5f80(w\u01ceng) when talking about distances, directions, time periods, or the object of an action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These prepositions can be tricky to differentiate, causing confusion for even higher-level learners. These prepositions can sometimes be interchanged, but not always. But fear not, because we’re here to settle the debate once and for all! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between \u4ece vs \u79bb and \u5411 vs \u5f80, providing clear examples and practical tips to help you master these prepositions. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will help you navigate the nuances of Mandarin grammar with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(You can also check out detailed comparisons between \u4ece and \u79bb as well as more grammar videos here<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4ece VS \u79bb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When we ask about distances or directions, we usually use the prepositions \u4ece(c\u00f3ng) and \u79bb(l\u00ed) to mean “from.” Although both can form adverbial phrases, there are more differences than similarities between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. <\/strong>You can use \u79bb(l\u00ed) to show the distance from a place, time, or objective. It follows the pattern of “A+\u79bb+B+ Adjective \/Numerical phrase<\/u><\/strong>“.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u5bb6\u79bb<\/u>\u5b66\u6821\u4e94\u767e\u591a\u7c73\u3002(W\u01d2 ji\u0101 l\u00ed xu\u00e9xi\u00e0o w\u01d4b\u01ceidu\u014d m\u01d0.) 
My house is over 500 meters from the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u706b\u8f66\u7ad9\u79bb<\/u>\u5b66\u6821\u4e0d\u8fdc\u3002(Hu\u01d2ch\u0113zh\u00e0n l\u00ed xu\u00e9xi\u00e0o b\u00f9yu\u01cen.) 
The train station is not far from the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. <\/strong>\u4ece(c\u00f3ng) shows the beginning point of a process, sequence, distance, or period of time. It can mean “since” in some situations. The structure is “Subject + \u4ece\u2026\u2026 + Verb\/Adjective<\/u><\/strong>“.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u4eec\u4ece<\/strong>\u5b66\u6821\u51fa\u53d1\u4e86\u3002(W\u01d2men c\u00f3ng xu\u00e9xi\u00e0o ch\u016bf\u0101 le.)
We set off from the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u4eec\u662f\u4ece<\/strong>\u4e0a\u5468\u4e00\u5f00\u59cb\u4e0a\u73ed\u7684\u3002(W\u01d2men sh\u00ec c\u00f3ng sh\u00e0ng zh\u014duy\u012b k\u0101ish\u01d0 sh\u00e0ngb\u0101n de.)
We have been working [here] since last Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, \u4ece(c\u00f3ng) is often paired with \u5230(d\u00e0o). The structure is “\u4ece A \u5230 B”. This structure can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence as an adverbial phrase, typically meaning “from… to…” or a similar variation of this pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4ece<\/strong>\u4eca\u5929\u5230<\/strong>\u660e\u5929\u6211\u4eec\u653e\u5047\u3002(C\u00f3ng j\u012bnti\u0101n d\u00e0o m\u00edngti\u0101n w\u01d2men f\u00e0ngji\u00e0.)
From today to tomorrow, we are on vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u6211\u4eec\u4ece<\/strong>\u4eca\u5929\u5230<\/strong>\u660e\u5929\u653e\u5047\u3002(W\u01d2men c\u00f3ng j\u012bnti\u0101n d\u00e0o m\u00edngti\u0101n f\u00e0ngji\u00e0.)
We will have a break from today to tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u4ece<\/strong>\u7406\u60f3\u5230<\/strong>\u73b0\u5b9e\u9700\u8981\u6211\u4eec\u4ed8\u51fa\u5f88\u591a\u52aa\u529b\u3002(C\u00f3ng l\u01d0xi\u01ceng d\u00e0o xi\u00e0nsh\u00ed x\u016by\u00e0o w\u01d2men f\u00f9ch\u016b h\u011bn du\u014d n\u01d4l\u00ec.)
In order to go from dreams to reality, we need to put in a lot of effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5411 VS \u5f80<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many native Chinese speakers have a hard time distinguishing between \u5411 (xi\u00e0ng) and \u5f80 (w\u01ceng). This is because these two words can indicate the direction of an action and be used interchangeably in some situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5411<\/strong><\/u>\u524d\u8d70200\u7c73\u5c31\u5230\u5b66\u6821\u4e86\u3002(Xi\u00e0ng qi\u00e1n z\u01d2u 200 m\u01d0 ji\u00f9 d\u00e0o xu\u00e9xi\u00e0o le.)
Walk forward 200 meters and you will arrive at the school.

\u5f80<\/strong><\/u>\u524d\u8d70200\u7c73\u5c31\u5230\u5b66\u6821\u4e86\u3002(W\u01ceng qi\u00e1n z\u01d2u 200 m\u01d0ji\u00f9 d\u00e0o xu\u00e9xi\u00e0o le.)
Walk forward 200 meters and you will arrive at the school.<\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, \u5411(xi\u00e0ng) can also show the object of an action, while \u5f80(w\u01ceng) cannot be used this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5411\u4ed6\u70b9\u5934\u3002\uff08\u221a\uff09<\/span>(the predicate is a specific movement of the body)
Nod my head towards him.
\u5f80\u4ed6\u70b9\u5934\u3002\uff08\u00d7\uff09<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u5411\u4ed6\u5b66\u4e60\u3002\uff08\u221a\uff09<\/span>(the predicate is an abstract concept)
\u5f80\u4ed6\u5b66\u4e60\u3002\uff08\u00d7\uff09<\/span>Study like him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mastering the usage of \u4ece, \u79bb, \u5411, and \u5f80 in Mandarin can be a challenging task, but it is crucial for effective communication. Remember that while there are some cases where these prepositions can be used interchangeably, there are also situations where using the wrong one can completely change the meaning of a sentence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By familiarizing yourself with the structures outlined above and practicing their usage in context, you can improve your Mandarin skills and avoid common mistakes. So keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be using these prepositions like a native speaker!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let’s practice using these words in a sentence. Fill in the blanks with either \u4ece (c\u00f3ng), \u79bb (l\u00ed), \u5411 (xi\u00e0ng), or \u5f80 (w\u01ceng).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. \u6211\u4eec\u5e94\u8be5______\u4ed6\u5b66\u4e60\u3002We should study like him.<\/li>
  2. \u5b66\u6821 _______ \u6211\u5bb6\u53ea\u6709500\u591a\u7c73\u3002The school is only a little over 500 meters from my house.<\/li>
  3. \u6211_______\u6628\u5929\u5c31\u75c5\u4e86\u3002I have been sick since yesterday.<\/li>
  4. _______ \u6211\u5bb6\u5230\u5b66\u6821\u8d70\u8def\u53ea\u67095\u5206\u949f\u3002Walking from my house to school only takes 5 minutes.<\/li>
  5. \u4f60\u4e00\u76f4_______\u524d\u8d70\u4e00\u5343\u7c73\u5c31\u5230\u4e86\u3002Go straight for 1000 meters and you will arrive [at your destination].<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Key<\/strong>\uff1a1.\u5411 2.\u79bb 3.\u4ece 4.\u4ece 5.\u5f80<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can give yourself a pat on the back if you answered all the questions correctly, and scratch off two common grammar mistakes from your list. You might even impress your Chinese friends in the process!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    If you’ve been learning Mandarin for over a year, you’ve probably come across a situation where you have to choose between using \u4ece(c\u00f3ng) or \u79bb(l\u00ed), or \u5411(xi\u00e0ng) or \u5f80(w\u01ceng) when talking about distances, directions, time periods, or the object of an action. These prepositions can be tricky to differentiate, causing confusion for even higher-level learners.…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":112,"featured_media":8746,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1,176],"tags":[77,7,93,92,78,80],"post_series":[],"yoast_head":"\nMastering Chinese Prepositions: When to Use \u4ece, \u79bb, \u5411 and \u5f80<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.digmandarin.com\/two-commonly-confused-chinese-grammar-structures.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Mastering Chinese Prepositions: When to Use \u4ece, \u79bb, \u5411 and \u5f80\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you’ve been learning Mandarin for over a year, you’ve probably come across a situation where you have to choose between using \u4ece(c\u00f3ng) or \u79bb(l\u00ed), or \u5411(xi\u00e0ng) or \u5f80(w\u01ceng) when talking about distances, directions, time periods, or the object of an action. 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