当着 (dāng zháo) — in someone’s presence

当着 (dāngzhe) + Person + 的面 (de miàn) + Verb

HSK 7–93.0

Pattern diagram

当着Who的面Action

Rule structure

当着 (dāngzhe) introduces the person in whose presence an action takes place: 当着大家说 (dāngzhe dàjiā shuō). The phrase 的面 (de miàn) is often added: 当着老师的面 (dāngzhe lǎoshī de miàn). Pattern: 当着 (dāngzhe) + Person + 的面 (de miàn) + Verb.

Examples

他当着大家的面道歉。

Tā dāngzhe dàjiā de miàn dàoqiàn.

He apologized in front of everyone.

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Words from this rule

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “in someone’s presence” in Chinese with 当着?

Use the structure: 当着 (dāngzhe) + Person + 的面 (de miàn) + Verb. For example: 他当着大家的面道歉。 — “He apologized in front of everyone”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他当着大家的面道歉。 — “He apologized in front of everyone”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.

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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules