Location Words (上/下/里/外/旁边)

In English, we use prepositions. These come *before* the noun. In Chinese, we use post-positions. These come *after* the noun. This is the biggest hurdle for your brain to jump over. You have to wait until you say the object before you can say where something is in relation to it. For example, instead of saying "in the box," you say "box in." It feels a bit like Yoda-speak at first, but it is actually very logical. You establish the "anchor" (the object) first. Then, you specify the direction. This structure is used for almost every physical relationship in space. Whether you are ordering food and telling the waiter where to put the tray, or asking for directions to the nearest bubble tea shop, this pattern is your best friend. It is simple, punchy, and very effective.

1. 1To build a location phrase, follow these three simple steps:
2. 2Pick your Reference Object. This is the main thing, like 桌子 (zhuōzi - table) or 书包 (shūbāo - backpack).
3. 3Choose your Location Word. Pick from 上, 下, 里, 外, or 旁边.
4. 4Combine them. Put the Reference Object first and the Location Word second.
5. 5Example: 桌子 (Table) + 上 (On) = 桌子上 (On the table).
6. 6Example: 书包 (Backpack) + 里 (In) = 书包里 (In the backpack).
7. 7You can also add the verb 在 (zài - to be at) before the whole phrase to make a complete sentence.
8. 8Structure: [Subject] + 在 + [Noun] + [Location Word].
9. 9Example: 书在桌子上。 (The book is on the table.)

You should use this pattern whenever you are describing where something exists.

• Use 上 for surfaces or things "on" something.
• Use 下 for things "under" or "below" something.
• Use 里 for things "inside" a container or a defined space.
• Use 外 for things "outside" a space.
• Use 旁边 for things "next to" or "beside" something.

Think of real-world scenarios. If you are in a job interview and the boss asks where your portfolio is, you say it is 在文件夹里 (in the folder). If you are at a restaurant and want to sit next to the window, you tell your friend you want to sit 在窗户旁边 (beside the window). It is the foundation of describing your physical world. Even native speakers use these thousands of times a day. It is like a grammar traffic light; it directs the flow of information so everyone knows where to go.

There is one major trap you must avoid. Do not use 里 (inside) with large geographical locations like countries or cities. You don't say "Inside Beijing" or "Inside China" in Chinese. You just say 在北京 or 在中国. Why? Because these places are considered "areas" rather than "containers." You are "at" them, not "inside" them like a box.

Also, don't use these words alone if you are trying to be formal. In formal writing, people often add 面 (miàn) or 边 (biān) to the end, making them 上面 or 旁边. For A1 level, the short versions are perfectly fine for daily chatting. Just remember: if you are talking about a country, leave the 里 at home. It’s a common mistake, but now you know the secret!

1. 1The English Swap: Putting the location word before the noun.

✗ 在里书包 (In inside backpack)

✓ 在书包里 (In backpack inside)

1. 1The City Container: Adding 里 to cities.

✗ 在上海里 (In Shanghai inside)

✓ 在上海 (In Shanghai)

1. 1Forgetting the Noun: Sometimes learners say "It's on" without saying what it's on. You always need that reference object unless the context is 100% clear.

1. 1Confusing 上 and 下: This sounds silly, but in the heat of a conversation, people mix up up and down. Just remember: 上 looks like it's pointing up, and 下 looks like it's pointing down. Easy, right?

You might see 中 (zhōng) used sometimes instead of 里. 中 is usually more formal or used for abstract things, like "in the middle of a meeting" (会议中). For physical things like boxes and bags, stick with 里.

You might also wonder about 上面 vs 上. They mean the same thing! 上面 is just the "long version." Think of 上 as the nickname and 上面 as the full legal name. In casual speech, the nickname is usually enough. However, 旁边 is almost always used as two syllables. You rarely just say 旁 by itself in modern speech. It needs its buddy 边 to feel complete.