shǔyú: 属于 - To Belong to, Be a part of

• Keywords: shǔyú, 属于, belong to in Chinese, part of in Chinese, how to say belong to, Chinese grammar, ownership in Chinese, possession in Chinese, shuyu meaning, Chinese verb, HSK 4 vocabulary
• Summary: Learn the essential Chinese verb 属于 (shǔyú), which means “to belong to” or “to be a part of.” This comprehensive guide covers its use for both tangible ownership (like a book belonging to a person) and abstract concepts (like belonging to a team or an era). Understand the difference between the formal 属于 (shǔyú) and the common possessive particle 的 (de), and see how it reflects cultural ideas about classification and group identity.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shǔyú
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To belong to; to be a part of; to be classified under.
• In a Nutshell: 属于 (shǔyú) is the primary way to formally express the relationship of belonging. It's more than just simple possession like “have” (`有`) or “my” (`我的`). Think of it as defining a clear, often official or inherent, connection. It answers the question, “To whom or what does this inherently belong?” It can be used for objects, people, ideas, and even time periods.

• 属 (shǔ): This character means “to be subordinate to,” “category,” or “to be a member of.” It points to the idea of classification and being part of a larger group or system.
• 于 (yú): A versatile preposition that often means “in,” “at,” or “to.” Here, it acts as a directional marker, linking the item to the owner or category it belongs to.
• Together, 属于 (shǔyú) literally means “to be classified into” or “to be a member of,” which perfectly captures the modern meaning of “to belong to.”

In Chinese culture, group identity and clear classification are often highly valued. 属于 (shǔyú) is the verb that codifies this relationship. It speaks to a more defined and less ambiguous sense of belonging than its English counterpart. Compare its usage to the simple possessive particle 的 (de).

• 我的书 (wǒ de shū) - “My book.” (Simple, everyday possession)
• 这本书属于我 (zhè běn shū shǔyú wǒ) - “This book belongs to me.” (A more formal declaration of ownership, as if settling a question.)

This distinction is important. While an American might casually say “I belong to this gym,” the Chinese equivalent using 属于 implies a more formal membership or a deeper sense of identity with the group. It's less about fleeting possession and more about a fundamental relationship. Using 属于 elevates the connection from simple possession to an established fact of classification or ownership.

属于 (shǔyú) is used in a variety of contexts, generally carrying a slightly more formal or emphatic tone than everyday possessive structures.

• Formal or Legal Ownership: It's the standard term in legal documents, contracts, and formal discussions about property or intellectual rights.
  • e.g., “这个房子属于国家。” (This house belongs to the state.)
• Classification: It is used in scientific, academic, or organizational contexts to state that something is part of a category.
  • e.g., “鲸鱼属于哺乳动物。” (Whales belong to the mammal category.)
• Abstract or Emotional Belonging: It can be used poetically or emotionally to express a deep, inherent connection.
  • e.g., “这个舞台属于你。” (This stage belongs to you.)
  • e.g., “我觉得我属于这里。” (I feel like I belong here.)

In casual conversation, you are more likely to hear 是…的 (shì…de), as in 这本书是我的 (zhè běn shū shì wǒ de), but 属于 is understood by everyone and used when the speaker wants to be precise or add emphasis.

• Example 1:
  • 这本书属于图书馆。
  • Pinyin: Zhè běn shū shǔyú túshūguǎn.
  • English: This book belongs to the library.
  • Analysis: A clear, factual statement of ownership. This is the most common and direct usage of the term.
• Example 2:
  • 他属于我们这个团队。
  • Pinyin: Tā shǔyú wǒmen zhège tuánduì.
  • English: He is a part of our team.
  • Analysis: Here, “belong to” means “is a member of.” It defines his relationship to the group.
• Example 3:
  • 未来属于那些有准备的人。
  • Pinyin: Wèilái shǔyú nàxiē yǒu zhǔnbèi de rén.
  • English: The future belongs to those who are prepared.
  • Analysis: An example of 属于 used for an abstract concept. It's a philosophical or motivational statement.
• Example 4:
  • 这个专利权属于我们公司。
  • Pinyin: Zhège zhuānlìquán shǔyú wǒmen gōngsī.
  • English: This patent right belongs to our company.
  • Analysis: A formal, business/legal usage. 属于 is the precise term for asserting legal ownership.
• Example 5:
  • 熊猫属于熊科动物。
  • Pinyin: Xióngmāo shǔyú xióng kē dòngwù.
  • English: Pandas belong to the bear family of animals.
  • Analysis: A scientific classification. This shows how 属于 is used to place something within a larger category.
• Example 6:
  • 这只猫属于谁？
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhī māo shǔyú shéi?
  • English: Who does this cat belong to?
  • Analysis: A common question form. It's a direct inquiry about ownership.
• Example 7:
  • 这个决定权不属于你。
  • Pinyin: Zhège juédìng quán bù shǔyú nǐ.
  • English: The right to make this decision does not belong to you.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the negative form using 不 (bù). It's a strong, clear statement of denied authority.
• Example 8:
  • 在这里，我找到了属于我自己的空间。
  • Pinyin: Zài zhèlǐ, wǒ zhǎodàole shǔyú wǒ zìjǐ de kōngjiān.
  • English: Here, I found a space that belongs to me.
  • Analysis: A more complex structure where 属于 modifies a noun (“space”). It conveys a deep, personal sense of belonging.
• Example 9:
  • 这种风格属于上个世纪九十年代。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng fēnggé shǔyú shàng gè shìjì jiǔshí niándài.
  • English: This style belongs to the 1990s.
  • Analysis: Shows that 属于 can be used to classify things by time period or era.
• Example 10:
  • 最终的胜利属于坚持不懈的人。
  • Pinyin: Zuìzhōng de shènglì shǔyú jiānchí bùxiè de rén.
  • English: The final victory belongs to the persistent.
  • Analysis: Similar to example 3, this is a powerful, motivational phrase often used in speeches or writing.

• `属于` vs. `的 (de)`: This is the most critical distinction. Use 的 (de) for simple, everyday possession. Use 属于 (shǔyú) when you want to be more formal, emphatic, or to officially declare ownership.
  • Casual: 这是我的手机。(Zhè shì wǒ de shǒujī.) - This is my phone.
  • Formal/Emphatic: 这个手机属于我。(Zhège shǒujī shǔyú wǒ.) - This phone belongs to me.
• `属于` vs. `有 (yǒu)`: 有 (yǒu) means “to have,” which describes the state of possessing something. 属于 (shǔyú) describes the relationship of ownership. You can “have” something that doesn't “belong” to you (e.g., a rented car).
  • Correct: 我有一辆车。(Wǒ yǒu yī liàng chē.) - I have a car.
  • Correct: 这辆车属于租车公司。(Zhè liàng chē shǔyú zūchē gōngsī.) - This car belongs to the rental company.
• Common Mistake: Overusing 属于 in casual contexts. A beginner might say “这个苹果属于我” (This apple belongs to me), which sounds overly dramatic. It's much more natural to say “这是我的苹果” (This is my apple). Use 属于 when the ownership is the main point of the sentence, not just a simple fact.

• 的 (de) - The possessive particle. The most common and casual way to indicate possession. It's the “my, your, his” of Chinese.
• 有 (yǒu) - To have, to possess. Describes the state of having something, which may or may not be permanent ownership.
• 归 (guī) - A more formal or literary verb meaning “to belong to” or “to be the property of.” Often seen in the phrase `归你所有` (guī nǐ suǒyǒu - “is owned by you”).
• 是…的 (shì…de) - A grammatical structure used for emphasis. `这本书是我的` (This book is mine) is a common, slightly more emphatic alternative to `我的书`.
• 所有权 (suǒyǒuquán) - The noun for “ownership” or “property rights.” This is the legal concept that 属于 often describes.
• 成员 (chéngyuán) - A member (of a group). A person who 属于 a team is a 成员.
• 包括 (bāokuò) - To include, to consist of. This is the reverse of 属于. A team 包括 its members; a member 属于 the team.