在
zài
To be at/in, to exist
这儿 (zhè ér) / 那儿 (nà ér) — here and there
Subject + 在 (zài) + 这儿 (zhèr) / 那儿 (nàr) / 这里 (zhèlǐ) / 那里 (nàlǐ)
HSK 13.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what在这儿那儿这里那里
Rule structure
这儿 (zhèr) and 那儿 (nà ér) (nàr) are colloquial forms for "here" and "there"; 这里 (zhèlǐ) and 那里 (nàlǐ) are neutral, often written variants with the same meaning. Both pairs point to a place and usually follow 在 (zài). In spoken Chinese 这里 (zhè lǐ) and 那里 (nà lǐ) also occur, so they should not be treated as bookish only.
Rule structure
这儿 (zhèr) and 那儿 (nà ér) (nàr) are colloquial forms for "here" and "there"; 这里 (zhèlǐ) and 那里 (nàlǐ) are neutral, often written variants with the same meaning. Both pairs point to a place and usually follow 在 (zài). In spoken Chinese 这里 (zhè lǐ) and 那里 (nà lǐ) also occur, so they should not be treated as bookish only.
Examples
我在这儿，他在那儿。
Wǒ zài zhèr, tā zài nàr.
I am here, and he is there.
妈妈在那里。
Māma zài nàlǐ.
Mom is over there.
Examples
我在这儿，他在那儿。
Wǒ zài zhèr, tā zài nàr.
I am here, and he is there.
妈妈在那里。
Māma zài nàlǐ.
Mom is over there.
Try this rule
Two short exercises: see how the rule works in a dialogue and in a sentence. No sign-up needed.
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “here and there” in Chinese with 这儿 / 那儿?
Use the structure: Subject + 在 (zài) + 这儿 (zhèr) / 那儿 (nàr) / 这里 (zhèlǐ) / 那里 (nàlǐ). For example: 我在这儿，他在那儿。 — “I am here, and he is there”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我在这儿，他在那儿。 — “I am here, and he is there”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 1.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews
Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
More HSK 3.0 Level 1 grammar rules
有些 — some (indefinite)
有些 (yǒuxiē) + Noun
不 — negation with not
不 (bù) + Verb / Adj.
都 — all, both
都 (dōu) + Verb / Adj.
也 — also, too
也 (yě) + Verb / Adj.
没有 — negation of “have”
没 (méi) + 有 (yǒu) + Noun
在 — actions in progress
(正 (zhèng)) 在 (zài) + Verb
还…呢 — still in progress
Subj. + 还 (hái) + Predicate + 呢 (ne)
都 — emphasizing quantity
Subj. + 都 (dōu) + Predicate / Verb Phrase