Expressing existence in a place with "zai"

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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 (shì), as English uses "to be", but this is not correct. 在 (zài) is the only verb needed.

Examples

  • 上海。zài shànghǎi.I'm in Shanghai.
  • 他们 英国。Tāmen zài yīngguó.They're in England.
  • 超市。zài chāoshì.He's at the supermarket.
  • 邮局。zài yóujú.She's at the post office.
  • 学校。zài xuéxiào.I'm at school.
  • 公司 吗?(Literally: "Are you at the company?")zài gōngsī ma?Are you at the office?
  • 家 吗?zài jiā ma?Are you at home?
  • 洗手间。zài xǐshǒujiān.I'm in the bathroom.
  • 我 和 朋友 酒吧。Wǒ hé péngyǒu zài jiǔbā.I'm with a friend at a bar.
  • 公园。zài gōngyuán.I'm at the park.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books