Difference between revisions of "Expressing existence in a place with "zai""
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* 他们 <em>在</em> 英国。<span class="trans">We're in England.</span> | * 他们 <em>在</em> 英国。<span class="trans">We're in England.</span> | ||
* 他 <em>在</em> 超市。<span class="trans">He's at the supermarket.</span> | * 他 <em>在</em> 超市。<span class="trans">He's at the supermarket.</span> | ||
| − | * 她 <em>在</em> 邮局。<span class="trans">She's at the | + | * 她 <em>在</em> 邮局。<span class="trans">She's at the post office.</span> |
</div> | </div> | ||
Revision as of 05:38, 28 January 2013
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The verb 在 expresses existence in a place, similar to the English "to be located in".
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。I'm in Shanghai.
- 他们 在 英国。We're in England.
- 他 在 超市。He's at the supermarket.
- 她 在 邮局。She's at the post office.
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
