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    Chinese Grammar

    Asking 'where' with 哪里 (nǎlǐ)

    Location & Position
    Questions

    Structure

    Subject + 在 + 哪里 / Verb + 在 + 哪里

    Explanation

    哪里 (nǎlǐ) is a question word meaning 'where.' It is used to ask about locations and can appear at the end of a sentence in indirect questions, as in 它藏在哪里 (where is it hidden). It is interchangeable with 哪儿 in most contexts.

    Examples

    • 你知道最近的地铁站在哪里吗?

      Nǐ zhīdào zuìjìn de dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ ma?

      Do you know where the nearest subway station is?

    • 请问洗手间在哪里?

      Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?

      Excuse me, where is the restroom?

    • 我不记得把手机放在哪里了。

      Wǒ bù jìde bǎ shǒujī fàng zài nǎlǐ le.

      I don't remember where I put my phone.

    Asking 'where' with 哪里 (nǎlǐ) | Chinese Grammar