HSK 4

(在) SITUATION 下

( zài) SITUATION xià

under SITUATION

Structure

(在) + Abstract Noun/Condition + 下

How it works

This structure is used to describe the conditions, circumstances, or background under which an action or situation occurs. While '在' is often included, it can be omitted in informal speech. It is frequently translated as 'under the circumstances of' or 'in the case of'.

Examples

在老师的帮助下，我的汉语提高得很快。

Zài lǎoshī de bāngzhù xià, wǒ de Hànyǔ tígāo de hěn kuài.

With (under) the teacher's help, my Chinese improved very quickly.

在这种情况下，我们必须做出决定。

Zài zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng xià, wǒmen bìxū zuòchū juédìng.

Under these circumstances, we must make a decision.

在压力很大的情况下，他依然保持冷静。

Zài yālì hěn dà de qíngkuàng xià, tā yīrán bǎochí lěngjìng.

Under high pressure, he still remains calm.

Common mistakes

Do not use physical locations with this particular abstract structure; use '在...下面' instead for physical positions like 'under the table'.

Tip

This pattern usually pairs with nouns like 帮助 (help), 影响 (influence), 情况 (situation), or 条件 (conditions).

More HSK 4 grammar

不仅 S1……，S2 也……V 完从来不 V 刚 + V + DURATION 即使……也……(在) N 上正好 V 得正好

See (在) SITUATION 下 in real Chinese

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