在 (zài) - to exist & to be present
在 · zài
to exist;
to be present;
to be at/in/on (a location);
to be alive;
to depend on;
during;
in the process of
to existto be presentto be at/in/on (a location)
Usage highlights
at homeat schoolto be presentto existin the process ofto be alive
Usage & contexts
Examples
- I am at home (在家).
- The book is on the table (在桌子上).
- He is currently working (在工作).
- It depends on you (在你).
Collocations
- at home(在家)
- at school(在学校)
- to be present(在场)
- to exist(存在)
- in the process of(在...中)
- to be alive(在世)
Idioms
- To be fully present and attentive(全神贯注)
- To be in a precarious situation(危在旦夕)
- The responsibility lies with...(责无旁贷)
- To have a clear goal in mind(成竹在胸)
Cultural background
FAQ- One of the most fundamental and frequently used characters in Chinese, expressing existence and location.
- In philosophical contexts, relates to concepts of being and presence in Chinese thought.
- Appears in many common phrases about life, presence, and situational awareness.