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HSK 1Prepositions

在(zài)

At / In (Location)

Structure Pattern

Subject+在+Place

Explanation

在 (zài) indicates location and can function as both a verb ("to be at") and a preposition ("at/in"). As a verb, it tells you where something or someone IS. As a preposition before another verb, it tells you WHERE an action takes place.

Example Sentences

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1
我在家。

Wǒ zài jiā.

I am at home.

2
他在学校学习。

Tā zài xuéxiào xuéxí.

He studies at school.

3
书在桌子上。

Shū zài zhuōzi shàng.

The book is on the table.

4
你在哪儿？

Nǐ zài nǎr?

Where are you?

Common Mistakes

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Common Mistake

我吃饭在餐厅。

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Correct Usage

我在餐厅吃饭。

info

Foreigners often place the location phrase (在 + location) after the main verb, mirroring English. In Chinese, the location phrase must come *before* the main verb when describing where an action takes place.

prepositionlocationbasicverb

Related Grammar Points

正在HSK 2

Currently Doing (Progressive)

zhèngzài

正在 (zhèngzài) or just 在 (zài) before a verb indicates an action is in progress, like English "-ing." Adding 呢 at the end reinforces the ongoing nature. You can use 正在, 在, or 正 alone — they all work.

Aspect & Tense4 examples

Master 在

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