Dictionary🇨🇳 Chinese → 🇺🇸 English
在
zài
Description
“在”是一个很常用的字，可以表示人或东西在某个地方，也可以放在动词前面，表示正在做的事情。
"在" is a very common character that can indicate a person or thing is at a certain place, or be placed before a verb to show an ongoing action.
Meanings
在zài
to be located at; to be in/at
我妈妈在家。
My mom is at home.
在zài
at, in, on (marks place of an action)
我们在学校学习中文。
We study Chinese at school.
在zài
used before a verb to show an action in progress
他在看书。
He is reading a book.
Related words
Notes
- Nuance
as a location verb 在 needs a place after it; 在 + verb shows ongoing action.
- Etymology
originally meant 'to exist/be present,' later extended to marking location and progressive aspect.
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