Difference between revisions of "Expressing existence in a place with "zai""
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| − | The verb 在 (zài) expresses existence in a | + | The verb 在 (zài) expresses existence in a location, similar to how we say in English, "to be at" or "to be in." |
=== Structure === | === Structure === | ||
| − | The verb 在 (zài) is used to express existence in a place. English does not have a verb | + | The verb 在 (zài) is used to express existence in a place. English does not have a verb exclusively for this purpose, and instead uses "to be" with a [[Prepositions|preposition]]. In Chinese, 在 (zài) can cover both of these roles. |
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Revision as of 07:02, 13 February 2016
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The verb 在 (zài) expresses existence in a location, similar to how we say in English, "to be at" or "to be in."
Structure
The verb 在 (zài) is used to express existence in a place. English does not have a verb exclusively for this purpose, and instead uses "to be" with a preposition. In Chinese, 在 (zài) can cover both of these roles.
Subj. + 在 + Place
Remember that you don't need another verb in this construction. It can be tempting to try use 是 (shì), as English uses "to be", but this is not correct. 在 (zài) is the only verb needed.
Examples
- 我 在 上海。I'm in Shanghai.
- 他们 在 英国。They're in England.
- 老板 在 外面。The boss is outside.
- 他 不 在 学校。He‘s not at school.
- 她 现在 在 家 吗？Is she now home?
- 你 在 公司 吗？(Literally: "Are you at the company?")Are you at the office?
- 老师 不 在 办公室 吗？Is the teacher not in the office?
- 谁 在 洗手间？Who is in the bathroom?
- 我 和 朋友 在 酒吧。I'm with a friend at a bar.
- 你们 明天 在 北京 吗？ Are you in Beijing tomorrow?
