Expressing existence in a place with "zai"
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The verb 在 (zài) 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. Also remember that 后面的词一定是表示某个地方，如果你需要说“在床上”“在冰箱里”，需要加一个表示方位的介词”上、下、里、中“等，"在...上/下/里"
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.
- 我 在 学校。TRANSLATION
- 你 在 公司 吗？TRANSLATION
- 你 在 家吗？TRANSLATION
- 我 在 洗手间。TRANSLATION
- 我 和 朋友 在 酒吧。TRANSLATION
- 我 在 公园。TRANSLATION
