Expressing existence in a place with "zai"

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。Wǒ zài Shànghǎi.I'm in Shanghai.
• 他们 在 英国。Tāmen zài Yīngguó.They're in England.
• 老板 在 外面。Lǎobǎn zài wàimiàn.The boss is outside.
• 他 不 在 学校。Tā bù zài xuéxiào.He's not at school.
• 她 现在 在 家 吗？Tā xiànzài zài jiā ma？Is she at home now?
• 你 在 公司 吗？Literally, "Are you at the company?"Nǐ zài gōngsī ma?Are you at the office?
• 老师 不 在 办公室 吗？ Lǎoshī bù zài bàngōngshì ma?Is the teacher not in the office?
• 谁 在 楼上？Shéi zài lóushàng?Who is upstairs?
• 我 和 朋友 在 酒吧。Wǒ hé péngyou zài jiǔbā.I'm with a friend at a bar.
• 你们 明天 在 北京 吗？Nǐmen míngtiān zài Běijīng ma?Are you guys in Beijing tomorrow?

See also

• Indicating location with "zai" before verbs
• Special cases of "zai" following verbs
• Expressing location with "zai...shang/xia/li"

Sources and further reading

Books

• Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 85-7) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 154) Anything Goes (无所不谈) →buy
• 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (pp. 73) [ →buy]