在于
A lies in B; A comes down to B
Structure
A + 在于 + B · 不在于 A ， 而在于 B
What it means
“Lies in, comes down to”: says what something abstract really is or depends on.
How it is built
A + 在于 + B: 这两种车的区别在于用什么燃料 (the difference between the two cars lies in the fuel they use). To correct someone: 不在于 A，而在于 B: 问题不在于钱，而在于时间.
When to use it
The subject is usually an abstract word: 问题, 区别, 原因, 好处, 最难的地方. 不在于……而在于 is built like 不是……而是: “it’s not A, it’s B”. It sounds a little formal.
Watch out
在于 is never about a place: ✗ 书在于桌子上。 ✓ 书在桌子上。
Examples
这两种车的区别在于用什么燃料。
The difference between the two kinds of car lies in the fuel they use.
他成功的原因在于每天坚持。
The reason for his success is that he kept at it every day.
问题不在于钱，而在于时间。
The problem isn’t money; it’s time.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 21: 智能生活 (Smart cities)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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