Expressing existence in a place with "zai"

Revision as of 04:05, 10 September 2013 by Yucui (talk | contribs) (→‎Structure)

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