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3.2.1: Expressing existence in a place with "zai"

  • Page ID
    44143
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    The verb 在 (zài) expresses existence in a location, similar to how we say in English, "to be at" or "to be in."

    Structure

    The verb 在 (zài) is used to express existence in a place. English does not have a verb exclusively for this purpose, and instead uses "to be" with a preposition. In Chinese, 在 (zài) can cover both of these roles.

    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

    • 上海。Wǒ zài Shànghǎi.I'm in Shanghai.
    • 他们 英国。Tāmen zài Yīngguó.They're in England.
    • 老板 外面。Lǎobǎn zài wàimiàn.The boss is outside.
    • 他 不 学校。Tā bù zài xuéxiào.He's not at school.
    • 她 现在 家 吗?Tā xiànzài zài jiā ma?Is she at home now?
    • 公司 吗?Literally, "Are you at the company?"zài gōngsī ma?Are you at the office?
    • 老师 不 办公室 吗?Lǎoshī bù zài bàngōngshì ma?Is the teacher not in the office?
    • 楼上?Shéi zài lóushàng?Who is upstairs?
    • 我 和 朋友 酒吧。Wǒ hé péngyou zài jiǔbā.I'm with a friend at a bar.
    • 你们 明天 北京 吗?Nǐmen míngtiān zài Běijīng ma?Are you guys in Beijing tomorrow?

    This page titled 3.2.1: Expressing existence in a place with "zai" is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by .

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