The preposition 于
How to use it
The preposition 于 
is a common preposition in classical literary language. It is also used in modern written formal speech.
The meaning of 于 is similar to many other prepositions in Chinese.
is a common preposition in classical literary language. It is also used in modern written formal speech.
The meaning of 于 is similar to many other prepositions in Chinese.For example:
从
在
到
对
向
It can mean “from”, “in” (referring to a place)
在
到
对
向
It can mean “from”, “in” (referring to a place) Pay attention
Remember stable combinations with 于:
用于
在于
位于
属于
由于
至于
关于
出于
在于
位于
属于
由于
至于
关于
出于 The meaning “from”, “in” (referring to a place)
The preposition 于 may be translated as “from", "in” and should be stated after the predicate and before an adverbial modifier of place.
Scheme
subject
predicate
于
place
Examples
这种葡萄酒产于法国
This wine is produced in France
zhè zhǒng pútáojiǔ chǎn yú fǎguó
他毕业于中国人民大学
He is a graduate of Renmin University of China
tā bìyè yú zhōngguó rénmín dàxué
The meaning “in” (referring to the time)
To indicate the specific time of an action, we should state 于 before an adverbial modifier of time.
Pay attention
When we use the preposition 于 to speak about actions in the past, we can state the predicate either before or after the adverbial modifier of time.
Scheme
subject
(predicate)
于
time
(predicate)
Examples
中国人民大学成立于1937年
Renmin University of China was founded in 1937
zhōngguó rénmín dàxué chénglì yú yī jiǔ sān qī nián
战争已于很多年前结束了
The war ended many years ago
zhànzhēng yĭ yú hĕn duō nián qián jiéshù le
When we speak about actions that will happen in the future, we usually state the future tense adverb 将 before 于.
Two-syllable verbs are preferably used in this construction.
before 于.
Two-syllable verbs are preferably used in this construction. Pay attention
When we speak about future actions with 于, we should state the predicate after the adverb of time.
Scheme
subject
(将)于
adverb of time
predicate
Examples
这座桥将于2050年兴建
The bridge will be built in 2050
zhè zuò qiáo jiāng yú èr líng wǔ líng nián xīngjiàn
他的新书将于春季出版
His new book will be published in the spring
tā de xīnshū jiāng yú chūnjì chūbǎn
We can use 于 to express that two things are related to each other . We can construct sentences such as: “smoking is bad for your health”, “it's bad for your eyes”.
Scheme
subject
predicate
于
object
for whom? for what?
Examples
这样做有利于大家的健康
This is good for everyone's health
zhèyàng zuò yǒu lì yú dàjiā de jiànkāng
他们完全专注于对方
They are totally focused on each other
tāmen wánquán zhuānzhù yú duìfāng
The meaning “compared to”
We can use the preposition 于 when comparing objects. We should use this structure:
Scheme
A
superior feature
于
B
Pay attention
In this case, “A” should always be superior to “B”. For example: “A” is higher/softer/older than “B”.
Examples
我的年龄肯定大于你
I am definitely older than you
wǒ de niánlíng kěndìng dà yú nǐ
死有重于泰山，有轻于鸿毛
Death can be heavier than a mountain and lighter than a feather
sǐ yǒu zhòng yú tàishān, yǒu qīng yú hóngmáo