HSK 1

在 PLACE V

zài PLACE V

V at PLACE

Structure

Subject + 在 (zài) + Place + Verb + Object

How it works

In Chinese, the location (where an action happens) must be placed before the verb. This indicates the setting of the action rather than the direction of movement. Use 'zài' followed by the location, then the action.

Examples

我在学校学习。

Wǒ zài xuéxiào xuéxí.

I study at school.

他在家看书。

Tā zài jiā kànshū.

He reads a book at home.

我们在饭店吃饭。

Wǒmen zài fàndiàn chīfàn.

We eat at the restaurant.

Common mistakes

Putting the location after the verb (e.g., saying 'Wǒ chīfàn zài fàndiàn' instead of 'Wǒ zài fàndiàn chīfàn').

Tip

Think of it as 'setting the stage' before the action happens. Set the place first, then do the action.

More HSK 1 grammar

什么什么 N 不是是吗?谁哪 M N (的)

See 在 PLACE V in real Chinese

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