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之内 (zhī nèi) — within, inside (after a noun indicating time, space, or scope)

Definition

Literary suffix meaning 'within / inside', attached after a noun to mark a limit of time, space, or scope (e.g. 三天之内, 范围之内). More formal than the everyday 里 or 之内-within-的 structure; it is a written register equivalent of ‘within’.

suffix
withininside (after a noun indicating time, space, or scope)

Examples

  • 之内。
    Qǐng zài sān tiān zhī nèi wán chéng zhè xiàng gōng zuò.
    Please complete this work within three days.
  • 之内。
    Zhè zuò lóu sān céng zhī nèi dōu yǒu diàn tī.
    Within the three floors of this building, there are elevators everywhere.
  • 之内。
    Suǒ yǒu xíng wéi dōu bì xū zài fǎ lǜ fàn wéi zhī nèi.
    All actions must stay within the scope of the law.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
前缀qiánzhuìPrefix

A fixed syllable in front that adds a shade of meaning but carries none of its own.

之zhīof
内nèiinside

之 points back to a time or place and 内 means inside, so together they mark within something.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape pairs 止, a foot, with 一, a beginning place, and means to go.

Open 之 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

  • 入入rùto enter
  • 冂冂jiōnghouse

The shape shows 入 entering into 冂, a house, so it pictures bringing something indoors, giving the sense inside.

Open 内 →
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