在于

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 成功的关键在于坚持。▶ —
   The key to success lies in persistence.
2. 问题在于我们缺少时间。▶ —
   The problem lies in our lack of time.

Collocations

Mnemonic

在 zài "to be at" + 于 yú (classical "at, in"): to lie in, to depend on (what the key, problem, or significance rests upon). 关键在于… = the key lies in. 于 is the classical preposition "at/in". Distinguish 在于 (to lie in, abstractly) from 在 (zài, to be at, of location).

Related

Quick check

1. What does 关键在于坚持 mean?

   • the key lies in persistence
   • the key is over
   • the key vanished
   • asking where the key is