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于 (formal)

HSK 5
  • Other

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Verb于Time/Place/Object

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

Preposition 于 is the formal equivalent of 在, 从, and 比, used to indicate time, place, origin, or comparison.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

于 is a preposition (介词) of a formal register, commonly used in written language, news, or official announcements. In spoken language, simpler equivalent words are typically used instead.

Main uses of 于:

  • Equivalent to 在: indicating time or place. Example: 出生于1990年 (born in 1990).
  • Equivalent to 从: indicating origin or starting point. Example: 来源于生活 (originating from life).
  • Equivalent to 比: used in comparisons. Example: 高于昨天 (higher than yesterday).

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 他出生于一九九零年。
    繁: 他出生於一九九零年。Tā chūshēng yú yī jiǔ jiǔ líng nián.

    He was born in 1990.

  2. 这次会议将于北京举行。
    繁: 這次會議將於北京舉行。Zhè cì huìyì jiāng yú Běijīng jǔxíng.

    This conference will be held in Beijing.

  3. 这个故事来源于生活。
    繁: 這個故事來源於生活。Zhège gùshi láiyuán yú shēnghuó.

    This story originates from life.

  4. 今天的气温高于昨天。
    繁: 今天的氣溫高於昨天。Jīntiān de qìwēn gāo yú zuótiān.

    Today's temperature is higher than yesterday's.

  5. 他毕业于河内大学。
    繁: 他畢業於河內大學。Tā bìyè yú Hénèi Dàxué.

    He graduated from Hanoi University.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong:我住于河内。
    Correct:我住在河内。

    于 is a formal preposition used in written language; in everyday speech, you should use 在 instead.

  • Wrong:我送礼物于他。
    Correct:我送礼物给他。

    于 is not used to indicate the recipient of an action like "give to someone"; 给 must be used instead.