zài

to exist

HSK 1 6
Stroke order animation for 在

この漢字を含む単語

Core Meaning and Usage

The character (zài) primarily indicates location or existence, meaning "to be at" or "to exist" somewhere. It is often used to specify where someone or something is physically located.

Expressing Ongoing Actions

In Mandarin, is also used before a verb to indicate an ongoing action, similar to the English present continuous tense. For example, means "is eating." This usage is very common in daily conversation.

Common Collocations

  • + place: indicates location (e.g., 学校 - at school)
  • + verb: indicates ongoing action (e.g., 学习 - studying)
  • + time: indicates a point in time (e.g., - at nine o'clock)

Usage Notes

When used to express ongoing actions, is typically followed by a verb and sometimes the particle to emphasize the action is in progress. Avoid confusing with ; focuses on location or ongoing action, while is used for identification or definition.

例文

我现在在学校。

Wǒ xiànzài zài xuéxiào.

I am currently at school.

他在吃饭呢,别打扰他。

Tā zài chīfàn ne, bié dǎrǎo tā.

He is eating, don't disturb him.

书在桌子上。

Shū zài zhuōzi shàng.

The book is on the table.