Difference between revisions of "Expressing existence in a place with "zai""
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Revision as of 06:10, 29 June 2012
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Structure
The verb 在 is used to express existence in a place. English does not have a verb that covers this, and instead uses "to be" with a preposition. In Chinese, 在 covers both of these.
Subject + 在 + Place
Remember that you don't need another verb in this construction. It can be tempting to try use 是, as English uses "to be", but this is not correct. 在 is the only verb needed.
Examples
- 我 在 上海。
- 他们 在 英国。
- 他 在 超市。
- 她 在 邮局。
See also
Sources and further reading
Books
- Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 85-7) →buy
- New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 154) →buy
