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VerbsHSK 1

Expressing existence in a place with 在

Use 在 to say where someone or something is. Simply place the subject before 在 and the location after it—no other verb like 是 is needed. A common mistake is adding 是 because of the English 'to be'.

Structure

Subj. + 在 + Place
Do not use 是; 在 alone acts as the verb.

Examples

  • 我在上海。
    Wǒ zài Shànghǎi.
    I'm in Shanghai.
  • 老板在外面。
    Lǎobǎn zài wàimiàn.
    The boss is outside.
  • 他不在学校。
    Tā bù zài xuéxiào.
    He's not at school.
  • 她现在在家吗？
    Tā xiànzài zài jiā ma？
    Is she at home now?
  • 老师不在办公室吗？
    Lǎoshī bù zài bàngōngshì ma?
    Is the teacher not in the office?

Words that use this