Expressing existence in a place with "zai"

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

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

See also

• "Zai" following verbs
• Using "zai" with verbs
• Expressing location with "zai...shang/xia/li"

Sources and further reading

Books

• Chinese: An Essential Grammar, Second Edition (pp. 85-7) →buy
• New Practical Chinese Reader 2 (新实用汉语课本2) (pp. 154) →buy
• 40 Lessons for Basic Chinese Course (基础汉语40课上册） (p. 73)→buy