在
zài
To be at/in, to exist
How to say “I study at home” in Chinese with 在 (zài)
Subj. + 在 (zài) + Place + Verb
在 (zài) — location before verbs
HSK 1Verb phrases
Subj. + 在 (zài) + Place + Verb
HSK 1Verb phrases在 (zài) — location before verbs
Rule structure
The structure [Subject + 在 (zài) + Place + Verb] indicates where an action takes place. In this structure, 在 (zài) is not a full predicate but rather an adverbial phrase of location.
Rule structure
The structure [Subject + 在 (zài) + Place + Verb] indicates where an action takes place. In this structure, 在 (zài) is not a full predicate but rather an adverbial phrase of location.
Examples
我在家学习。
Wǒ zài jiā xuéxí.
I study at home.
他在公园跑步。
Tā zài gōngyuán pǎobù.
He runs in the park.
我在家看书。
Wǒ zàijiā kànshū.
I read a book at home.
Examples
我在家学习。
Wǒ zài jiā xuéxí.
I study at home.
他在公园跑步。
Tā zài gōngyuán pǎobù.
He runs in the park.
我在家看书。
Wǒ zàijiā kànshū.
I read a book at home.
Practice
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “location before verbs” in Chinese with 在?
Use the structure: Subj. + 在 (zài) + Place + Verb. For example: 我在家学习。 — “I study at home”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我在家学习。 — “I study at home”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 1.
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More HSK 1 grammar rules
没有 — didn't, past negation
没有 (méiyǒu) + Verb
怎么 — how to questions
怎么 (zěnme) + Action?
是 — “is” in Chinese
A + 是 (shì) + B
来 vs 去 — coming and going
来 (lái) / 去 (qù) + Place
星期 — days of the week
星期 (xīngqī) + Number
时间 — time words and word order
Subj. + Time … / Time + Subj. …
在 — actions in progress
(正 (zhèng)) 在 (zài) + Verb
会 — will, going to
会 (huì) + Verb