在
zài
To be at/in, to exist
How to say “to be at” a place in Chinese with 在 (zài)
Subj. + 在 (zài) + Place
在 (zài) — location with “to be at”
HSK 1Verbs
Subj. + 在 (zài) + Place
HSK 1Verbs在 (zài) — location with “to be at”
Rule structure
The verb 在 (zài) indicates static location or existence in a place. In the sentence structure [Subject + 在 (zài) + Place] 在 (zài) is the main verb; no additional verbs are required.
Rule structure
The verb 在 (zài) indicates static location or existence in a place. In the sentence structure [Subject + 在 (zài) + Place] 在 (zài) is the main verb; no additional verbs are required.
Examples
他在家。
Tā zài jiā.
He is at home.
她在公园。
Tā zài gōngyuán.
She is at the park.
我们在家。
Wǒmen zàijiā.
We are at home.
Examples
他在家。
Tā zài jiā.
He is at home.
她在公园。
Tā zài gōngyuán.
She is at the park.
我们在家。
Wǒmen zàijiā.
We are at home.
Practice
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Characters
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “location with ‘to be at’” in Chinese with 在?
Use the structure: Subj. + 在 (zài) + Place. For example: 他在家。 — “He is at home”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他在家。 — “He is 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
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来 (lái) / 去 (qù) + Place
叫 — saying names with “to be called”
叫 (jiào) + Name
有 — existence with “there is”
Place + 有 (yǒu) + Obj.
去 — going to a place
去 (qù) + Place
有 — possession
Subj. + 有 (yǒu) + Obj.
请 — polite requests
请 (qǐng) + Verb
是 — “is” in Chinese
A + 是 (shì) + B
星期 — days of the week
星期 (xīngqī) + Number