Everyday characterShape
在
zài
at; in; exist
- Frequency
- #6Estimated
- HSK
- Level 1Estimated
Stroke order
Loading strokes…
How it is built
The old form was 才 cái (sound) above 土 earth: being in a place
Shape Parts match by shape only.
Some notes are traditional explanations, not proven history.
Words 3
Sentences 15
Characters with a dotted underline are not in the course yet.
- 他在医院工作。Tā zài yīyuàn gōngzuò.He works at a hospital.
- 现在几点？Xiànzài jǐ diǎn?What time is it now?
- 现在三点十分。Xiànzài sān diǎn shí fēn.It's 3:10 now.
- 小狗在桌子下面。Xiǎo gǒu zài zhuōzi xiàmiàn.The puppy is under the table.
- 我在家看电视。Wǒ zài jiā kàn diànshì.I'm watching TV at home.
- 他在商店买东西。Tā zài shāngdiàn mǎi dōngxi.He is shopping at the store.
- 你住在哪儿？Nǐ zhù zài nǎr?Where do you live?
- 我住在北京。Wǒ zhù zài Běijīng.I live in Beijing.
Show 7 more
- 他正在准备考试。Tā zhèngzài zhǔnbèi kǎoshì.He is preparing for an exam.
- 请问，洗手间在哪儿？Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎr?Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- 火车站在哪儿？Huǒchēzhàn zài nǎr?Where is the train station?
- 我在图书馆看书。Wǒ zài túshūguǎn kàn shū.I'm reading at the library.
- 我的房间在三层。Wǒ de fángjiān zài sān céng.My room is on the third floor.
- 我们在饭店门口见面吧。Wǒmen zài fàndiàn ménkǒu jiànmiàn ba.Let's meet at the restaurant entrance.
- 我在等公共汽车。Wǒ zài děng gōnggòng qìchē.I'm waiting for the bus.