Difference between revisions of "Expressing existence in a place with "zai""

Line 14: Line 14:
  
 
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.
 
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,[[Expressing location with "zai...shang/xia/li"|"在...上/下/里"]]
+
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名词”上、下、里、中“等,[[Expressing location with "zai...shang/xia/li"|"在...上/下/里"]]
  
 
== Examples ==
 
== Examples ==

Revision as of 04:05, 10 September 2013

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名词”上、下、里、中“等,"在...上/下/里"

Examples

  • 上海。I'm in Shanghai.
  • 他们 英国。We're in England.
  • 超市。He's at the supermarket.
  • 邮局。She's at the post office.
  • 学校。TRANSLATION
  • 公司 吗?TRANSLATION
  • 家吗?TRANSLATION
  • 洗手间。TRANSLATION
  • 我 和 朋友 酒吧。TRANSLATION
  • 公园。TRANSLATION

See also

Sources and further reading

Books