在场

zàichǎng

to be present

HSK 5

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

"在场" means to be physically present at a particular place or scene, often used in contexts like accidents, meetings, or events. It emphasizes actual presence rather than just knowledge or awareness.

Common Contexts

This word is frequently used in legal, formal, or official contexts where presence is important, such as eyewitness accounts, attendance at meetings, or participation in events.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 在场 (people present): refers to those who are physically at the location.
  • 在场证人 (witnesses present): witnesses who were actually at the scene.
  • 正在在场 (currently present): emphasizing ongoing presence.

Usage Notes

"在场" is often contrasted with "缺席" (absent). It is a neutral, formal expression and is not used for casual presence like being at home or in a public place without specific relevance.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "在场" with "参加" (to participate). "在场" only indicates physical presence, not necessarily active participation.

例文

事故发生时,他正好在场。

Shìgù fāshēng shí, tā zhènghǎo zàichǎng.

He happened to be present at the scene when the accident occurred.

所有在场的人都必须签字确认。

Suǒyǒu zàichǎng de rén dōu bìxū qiānzì quèrèn.

Everyone present must sign to confirm.

在场证人提供了重要的证词。

Zàichǎng zhèngrén tígōngle zhòngyào de zhèngcí.

The witnesses present provided important testimony.