Expressing existence in a place with "zai"

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.

Examples

  • 上海。
  • 他们 英国。
  • 超市。
  • 邮局。

See also

Sources and further reading

Books