Meaning
Indicating a location away from the speaker.
Cultural Background
Pointing with an open palm is preferred over using a single finger to avoid appearing rude. Similar to the mainland, politeness is key. {在那里|zài nàlǐ} is used universally. While Cantonese is spoken, the Mandarin phrase is understood in all tourist and business areas. Mandarin is one of the official languages, and this phrase is standard in all formal and informal settings.
Use your hand
Always gesture when you say {在那里|zài nàlǐ} to make your meaning clear.
Politeness
Avoid pointing with one finger; use an open palm.
Meaning
Indicating a location away from the speaker.
Use your hand
Always gesture when you say {在那里|zài nàlǐ} to make your meaning clear.
Politeness
Avoid pointing with one finger; use an open palm.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase for 'over there'.
{洗|xǐ}{手|shǒu}{间|jiān}____。
The question asks for 'over there', which is {在那里|zài nàlǐ}.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct sentence.
The correct structure is Subject + Zai + Location.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {我|wǒ}{的|de}{票|piào}{在|zài}{哪|nǎ}{里|lǐ}? B: ______.
The answer to 'where' is a location.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{洗|xǐ}{手|shǒu}{间|jiān}____。
The question asks for 'over there', which is {在那里|zài nàlǐ}.
Choose the correct sentence.
The correct structure is Subject + Zai + Location.
A: {我|wǒ}{的|de}{票|piào}{在|zài}{哪|nǎ}{里|lǐ}? B: ______.
The answer to 'where' is a location.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it is strictly for physical location. For time, use other markers.
It is neutral. It works in almost any situation.
Related Phrases
{在|zài}{这|zhè}{里|lǐ}
contrastHere
{在|zài}{哪|nǎ}{里|lǐ}
builds onWhere?
{那|nà}{边|biān}
similarThat side/direction
{在|zài}{那|nà}{儿|er}
similarOver there
