When you start learning Chinese, one of the first and most frequently used words you’ll encounter is “在” (zài). Although it’s just a single character, “在” plays multiple important roles in Chinese grammar. It’s used to indicate location, time, ongoing actions, and states of being.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to use the preposition 在 in Chinese, what it means, and how to apply it correctly in both spoken and written Chinese. All examples are practical, easy to understand, and help you build a strong foundation from day one.
1. What is the preposition 在?
“在” (pinyin: zài) is a preposition in Chinese, often translated as “at,” “in,” “on,” or “currently” depending on the context. It plays a key role in:
- Expressing location or place
- Indicating when an action takes place
- Describing actions that are currently in progress
Let’s explore each use in detail below.
2. Using 在 to indicate location
This is one of the most common uses. When you want to say where someone or something is located, you use 在 before the place.
Structure: Subject + 在 + Location
Examples:
- I am at home → 我在家。
- He is at school → 他在学校。
- We are at the supermarket → 我们在超市。
In these examples, “在” helps specify the physical location of a person or object.
You can also use directional words to be more specific, such as “under the table,” “in the bag,” or “on the shelf.”
- The cat is under the table → 猫在桌子下。
- The book is in the bag → 书在包里。
- The computer is on the shelf → 电脑在架子上。
3. Using 在 to indicate time
在 can also be used to refer to the time an action happens, especially when emphasizing a specific time point. In this case, “在” appears before the time phrase.
Structure: 在 + Time + Action
Examples:
- I get up at 6 a.m. → 我在早上六点起床。
- She goes shopping on Saturday → 她在星期六去市场。
- They study in the evening → 他们在晚上学习。
Using 在 before time helps make the sentence more structured and clear. However, it can sometimes be omitted in casual speech if the meaning is already obvious.
4. Using 在 to indicate ongoing actions
Another important function of “在” is to describe an action currently in progress—similar to the present continuous tense in English. In this case, 在 comes right before the verb.
Structure: Subject + 在 + Verb
Examples:
- I am eating → 我在吃饭。
- He is watching a movie → 他在看电影。
- Mom is cooking → 妈妈在做饭。
- The teacher is teaching → 老师在讲课。
This use is especially common in daily conversations when you want to talk about what you or others are doing at the moment.
5. Using 在 in questions
You’ll often use “在” when asking where someone or something is.
Examples:
- Where are you? → 你在哪儿？ / 你在哪里？
- Is he at home? → 他在家吗？
- Is mom at the hospital? → 妈妈在医院吗？
Chinese also has a question format using 在不在, which literally means “is or isn’t at,” to ask if someone is present at a certain place.
- Is the teacher in the classroom? → 老师在不在教室？
- Is he at the office? → 他在不在办公室？
6. Be careful: Don’t use 是 instead of 在
This is a common mistake for beginners. In English or Vietnamese, we might say “He is at school,” and the word “is” seems natural. But in Chinese, you must not use 是 (shì) to express location. You must use “在” instead.
Incorrect: 他是学校。
Correct: 他在学校。 → He is at school.
Incorrect: 我是家里。
Correct: 我在家里。 → I am at home.
Using 是 in this case is grammatically incorrect and will confuse native speakers. It’s essential to build the habit of using 在 properly from the beginning.
7. Real-life examples using 在
Here are some simple and useful sentences using 在, which you can try in your daily practice:
- I’m learning Chinese → 我在学中文。
- We are on the bus → 我们在公交车上。
- Dad is on the phone → 爸爸在打电话。
- What are you doing? → 你在做什么？
- I’m not at home → 我不在家。
- The cat is on the bed → 猫在床上。
These examples show how flexible and commonly used 在 is in everyday Chinese conversation.
8. Practice suggestions
To become fluent in using “在,” try making daily sentences that describe your actions or whereabouts. For example:
- What time do I wake up?
- Where am I right now?
- What am I doing?
- Will I stay home tonight?
Write them down in Chinese and say them out loud. This is one of the most effective ways to internalize how 在 is used.
9. Summary
The preposition “在” is an essential part of Chinese grammar. It allows you to express:
- Where someone or something is
- When an event happens
- What is currently happening
Mastering how to use the preposition 在 in Chinese is a foundational step that will boost your confidence and fluency in everyday conversations. Whether you’re talking about location, time, or ongoing actions, 在 will help your Chinese sound more natural, accurate, and fluent.
If you’re new to Chinese, start practicing with “在” every day. Use it in your conversations, in writing, and even when thinking in Chinese. It’s a small word, but mastering it will open up big progress in your language learning journey.