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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to belong to' with 属 (shǔ)

    Existence & Possession

    Structure

    Subject + 属 + 于 + Category/Owner

    Explanation

    The verb 属 (shǔ) means "to belong to," "to be classified as," or "to be born in the year of" (Chinese zodiac). It indicates that something falls under a particular category or ownership. It often pairs with 于 to form 属于 for a more complete expression.

    Examples

    • 这片地区属于自然保护区。

      zhè piàn dìqū shǔyú zìrán bǎohùqū.

      This area belongs to a nature reserve.

    • 我属龙，今年是我的本命年。

      wǒ shǔ lóng, jīnnián shì wǒ de běnmìngnián.

      I was born in the Year of the Dragon, and this year is my zodiac year.

    • 这本书属于图书馆，不能带走。

      zhè běn shū shǔyú túshūguǎn, bù néng dài zǒu.

      This book belongs to the library and cannot be taken away.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'to belong to' with 属 (shǔ) | Chinese Grammar