Usage of "那里"
"那里" (nàlǐ) is a common demonstrative pronoun meaning "there" or "that place." It is used to refer to a location that is not near the speaker but is known or has been mentioned before. It can indicate a physical place or a figurative location in conversation.
Common Contexts
- Referring to a specific place away from the speaker and listener.
- Talking about a place previously mentioned or understood in context.
- Used in everyday conversation to point out locations without naming them explicitly.
Common Collocations
- "在那里" (zài nàlǐ): "at there" — used to specify the location of an action or object.
- "去那里" (qù nàlǐ): "go there" — indicating movement toward that place.
- "从那里" (cóng nàlǐ): "from there" — indicating origin or starting point.
Notes
"那里" is often contrasted with "这里" (zhèlǐ, "here") which refers to a place near the speaker. Avoid confusing "那里" with "那儿" (nàr), which is a colloquial variant with the same meaning but more informal tone. "那里" is neutral and suitable for both spoken and written Chinese.