处于

chǔ yú

HSK 3.0 Level 5 Verb Common

Definitions

1. to be in (some state, position, or condition)

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Word relationships

Synonyms

1 item

位于

wèi yú

to be located at

Used when describing physical location or position, 位于 is more formal and objective than 处于.

Usage notes

Common mistakes

处于 must be followed by a noun or noun phrase indicating a state or situation, not a standalone adjective. Example: 处于危险之中 (in danger), not 处于危险.

Formality

处于 is primarily used in formal or written contexts. In casual speech, use 在…中 or other colloquial structures instead.

Example Sentences

2 shown

这项技术处于世界前沿。

This technology is at the world's forefront.

他在谈判中处于被动地位。

He is in a passive position in the negotiations.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 处于

于

yú

(of time or place) in; at; on

to reside

place

处于