"There are six birds in the tree."

Translation: 树上有六只鸟。

[Mibonyx]

Why did I need 上 if they were in, and not specifically on top, of the tree?

[JessicaBer862872]

I think that's just how it's expressed in Chinese. In the German language, we also say birds are "on" a tree. But it doesn't mean they're on top of it, just means they're "in" it, as you English speakers put it. ;)

[bassdewd]

Exactly, has me confused too

[AndromedaKitty]

Is "There are six birds at the top of the tree" ok?

[Jeremy114182]

I believe that would work too.

[SimonSprin1]

My Chinese friend tells me that “在树上有六只鸟” should be accepted. I’ve offered it up

[14minx14]

我們現在可以用這個句子。

這個句子現在正確了。

[XMVZiron]

I thought the word for tree was 木, not 树.

[iyoossaev]

It is the word for wood or lumber, so a dead tree ;)

[iyoossaev]

Why doesn 在……上 not work here? Why cannot I use 在 anywhere in this sentence?

[zhili176366]

On the tree, not in the tree

[SimonSprin1]

As above, not really. With all respect, and wishing you a very happy Christmas :)

[Deryk587991]

My answer as yours but not accepted