Meaning
This phrase combines 在 (to be at/in) and 一起 (together) to mean 'to be together' or simply 'together.' It can refer to physical togetherness, spending time together, or being in a romantic relationship. When used as a verb, it often implies being romantically involved with someone.
Usage
Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe people doing things together or being in the same place. When used about couples, it typically means 'dating' or 'in a relationship.' Can be used as both a verb (我们在一起了 'we're together now') and an adverbial phrase (我们在一起吃饭 'we're eating together'). Very natural in spoken Mandarin.
Examples
- 01我们在一起已经三年了。.We've been together for three years already.
- 02周末我想和朋友在一起玩。.I want to hang out with friends together on the weekend.
Characters
Common collocations
- 和...在一起...to be together with...
- 在一起很久了have been together for a long time
- 我们在一起吧let's be together (romantic)
- 住在一起to live together
Antonyms
Origin
The phrase literally means 'at one rising' or 'at together,' combining the locative 在 with 一起 (one-rise), which evolved to mean 'together' as a conceptual place where multiple things join as one.