Other Structures - (3) Positional Phrases
其他结构类型 — （3）方位短语
The positional phrase (方位短语) combines a noun and a position word to indicate a precise location.
Structure
Noun + Up / Down / Inside / Outside / Front / Back / Side / Face
Elements
Positional Phrase
How to use it
- After 在 for localization: On the table (on the table).
- The position word comes AFTER the reference noun (opposite of French).
Examples
桌子上。
zhuōzi shàng。
On the table.
学校里。
xuéxiào lǐ。
In the school.
在商店前面。
zài shāngdiàn qiánmiàn。
In front of the store.
Notes and exceptions
- The position word comes AFTER the reference noun.
Common mistakes
- * On the top of the table → On the table: the order is noun + position.
Practice quiz
Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.
1. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(After 在 for localization: On the table (on the table).)
2. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(The position word comes AFTER the reference noun (opposite of French).)