====== shǔyú: 属于 - To Belong to, Be a part of ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **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.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **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.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **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."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
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.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**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 Sentences =====
  * **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.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **`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.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[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.