在于 zàiyú

在于（zàiyú）means “在于: to lie in, consist in, depend on (the key point is…)”. 在于 points out where the essence of something lies. Formation: 主语（关键/问题/原因…）+ 在于 + 核心（名词/小句）

在于: to lie in, consist in, depend on (the key point is…)

HSK5

Formation

主语（关键/问题/原因…）+ 在于 + 核心（名词/小句）

Explanation

在于 points out where the essence of something lies. The subject is usually an abstract noun like 关键 (key), 问题 (problem), 原因 (reason), 目的 (purpose), and after 在于 comes the core content, which can be a noun or a whole clause: 关键在于坚持 'the key lies in persistence'; 问题在于我们缺少经验 'the problem is that we lack experience'. Formal and common in written argument.

Examples

成功的关键 在于 坚持。
chénggōng de guānjiàn zàiyú jiānchí.
The key to success lies in perseverance.
问题 在于 我们缺少经验。
wèntí zàiyú wǒmen quēshǎo jīngyàn.
The problem is that we lack experience.

Note

Subject is usually abstract (关键/问题/原因); core after 在于 may be a clause.

FAQ

在于 — what does it mean and how is it used?

在于: to lie in, consist in, depend on (the key point is…). 在于 points out where the essence of something lies. The subject is usually an abstract noun like 关键 (key), 问题 (problem), 原因 (reason), 目的 (purpose), and after 在于 comes the core content, which can be a noun or a whole clause: 关键在于坚持 'the key lies in persistence'; 问题在于我们缺少经验 'the problem is that we lack experience'. Formal and common in written argument.

在于 — how do you form it?

主语（关键/问题/原因…）+ 在于 + 核心（名词/小句）

在于 — any usage notes?

Subject is usually abstract (关键/问题/原因); core after 在于 may be a clause.

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