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VerbsHSK 6

Expressing "lies in" with 在于

在于 (zàiyú) is a formal construction meaning "lies in" or "consists in," used to pinpoint the essential aspect or cause of something. It usually follows the subject and introduces a noun or clause. Note that it is quite literary—overusing it in everyday speech can sound unnatural.

Structure

⋯⋯ 在于 ⋯⋯

Examples

  • 问题在于我们没有足够的时间。
    Wèntí zàiyú wǒmen méiyǒu zúgòu de shíjiān.
    The problem lies in that we don't have enough time.
  • 成功在于坚持不懈。
    Chénggōng zàiyú jiānchí bùxiè.
    Success lies in perseverance.
  • 关键在于如何执行计划。
    Guānjiàn zàiyú rúhé zhíxíng jìhuà.
    The key lies in how to implement the plan.

Words that use this