yu vs. zai as locative markers

[Mark Yong]

I am interested to know about the differences in the use of the locative markers 於 and 在 - particularly in Classical Chinese, but also in modern Mandarin.

I am given to understand that 於 was more commonly used as a locative marker in Classican Chinese, and that 在 was a later development. However, 司馬遷's biography of 孫子 reads "將在軍君命有所不受".

[Amego]

I am interested to know about the differences in the use of the locative markers 於 and 在 - particularly in Classical Chinese, but also in modern Mandarin.

I am given to understand that 於 was more commonly used as a locative marker in Classican Chinese, and that 在 was a later development. However, 司馬遷's biography of 孫子 reads "將在軍君命有所不受".

Hi Mark...cya again...

ok...well 於 is more formal and its more of meaning "from" rather than "at"...like you bought something from somewhere....my dad always writes it when he buys new books...

"I bought this book from Singapore."

此書購於新加坡。Formal...

此書購在新加坡。 WRONG.

這本書是我在新加坡買的。Familiar

這本書是我從新加坡買的。Close to above.

這本書是我於新加坡買的。Also can...

我從新加坡購得此書。Can

我在新加坡購得此書。No prob

我於新加坡購得此書。Yea yea....

so the 在 is somewhat a sunset of 於...but when you say

I'm in Singapore now.

我現在在新加坡。Familiar

我現在於新加坡。Hmmm..sounds weird...but if you add 1 more word...

我現在位於新加坡。YES....very logical & smooth...

So i guess now u can figure out the difference le ba.... =p