Expressing existence in a place with "zai"
Revision as of 06:44, 17 September 2015 by ChenShishuang (talk | contribs)
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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.
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。I'm in Shanghai.
- 他们 在 英国。They're in England.
- 老板 在 外面。The boss is outside.
- 她 现在 在 家 吗？Is she now home?
- 我 在 学校。I'm at school.
- 你 在 公司 吗？(Literally: "Are you at the company?")Are you at the office?
- 老师 早上 在 办公室 吗？Is the teacher in the office this morning?
- 谁 在 洗手间？Who is in the bathroom?
- 我 和 朋友 在 酒吧。I'm with a friend at a bar.
- 你们 明天 在 北京 吗？ Are you in Beijing tomorrow?
