Chinese grammar: Expressing existence in a place with 在zai

The verb 在 (zài) expresses existence in a place, similar to the English "to be located in".

Structure

The verb 在 is used to express existence in a place. English does not have a verb that covers this, and instead uses "to be" with a preposition. In Chinese, 在 covers both of these.

Remember that you don't need another verb in this construction. It can be tempting to try use 是, as English uses "to be", but this is not correct. 在 is the only verb needed.

Examples