Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "to account for" with 占 (zhàn)

    Comparison
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Subject + 占 + Amount/Percentage

    Explanation

    The verb 占 (zhàn) means "to account for," "to make up," or "to constitute" a portion of something. It is commonly used with percentages or fractions to indicate how much of a whole something represents. For example, genetics may only 占 a small percentage of behavioral differences.

    Examples

    • 中国人口占世界总人口的百分之十八左右。

      Zhōngguó rénkǒu zhàn le shìjiè zǒng rénkǒu de bǎifēnzhī shíbā zuǒyòu.

      China's population accounts for about eighteen percent of the world's total population.

    • 房租占了我每月收入的三分之一。

      Fángzū zhàn le wǒ měi yuè shōurù de sān fēn zhī yī.

      Rent takes up one-third of my monthly income.

    • 女性员工占公司总人数的百分之六十。

      Nǚxìng yuángōng zhàn gōngsī zǒng rénshù de bǎifēnzhī liùshí.

      Female employees make up sixty percent of the company's total staff.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing "to account for" with 占 (zhàn) | Chinese Grammar