Expressing existence in a place with "zai"
-
Level
-
Similar to
-
Used for
-
Keywords
.jpeg)
The verb 在 (zài) expresses existence in a place, similar to how we say in English, "to be located in".
Structure
The verb 在 (zài) 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 (zài) 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 (zài) is the only verb needed.
Examples
- 我 在 上海。I'm in Shanghai.
- 他们 在 英国。They're in England.
- 他 在 超市。He's at the supermarket.
- 她 在 邮局。She's at the post office.
- 我 在 学校。I'm at school.
- 你 在 公司 吗？(Literally: "Are you at the company?")Are you at the office?
- 你 在 家 吗？Are you at home?
- 我 在 洗手间。I'm in the bathroom.
- 我 和 朋友 在 酒吧。I'm with a friend at a bar.
- 我 在 公园。I'm at the park.
