HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#88

Expressing “Within” a Period of Time with “zài... nèi”

在……内

zài...nèi

How it works

在……内 (zài...nèi) means “within...” and is often used to indicate a limit of time, space, amount, or scope.

It is common in formal instructions, schedules, and written announcements.

在 (zài) + Time / Range + 内 (nèi)

请你务必在三天内把修改后的材料发给我。

Qǐng nǐ wùbì zài sān tiān nèi bǎ xiūgǎi hòu de cáiliào fā gěi wǒ.

Please be sure to send me the revised materials within three days.

这个问题需要在本周内尽快解决，否则会影响后面的安排。

Zhège wèntí xūyào zài běn zhōu nèi jǐnkuài jiějué, fǒuzé huì yǐngxiǎng hòumiàn de ānpái.

This problem needs to be solved as soon as possible within this week, otherwise it will affect the later arrangements.

相关费用必须在合同签订后十个工作日内支付。

Xiāngguān fèiyòng bìxū zài hétong qiāndìng hòu shí ge gōngzuòrì nèi zhīfù.

Relevant fees must be paid within ten working days after the contract is signed.

This is a common formal expression for deadlines and limits.