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Verb phrasesHSK 3

Indicating location with 在 before verbs

To say where an action takes place, put 在 (zài) and a location right before the verb. This order is fixed: the location phrase always comes before the verb, unlike in English. A common mistake for learners is placing the location at the end of the sentence.

Structure

Subj. + 在 + Place + Verb + Obj.
The location phrase must appear before the verb.

Examples

  • 我在上海上大学。
    Wǒ zài Shànghǎi shàng dàxué.
    I went to college in Shanghai.
  • 我周末想在家睡觉。
    Wǒ zhōumò xiǎng zài jiā shuìjiào.
    On the weekend, I want to sleep at home.
  • 不要在床上吃东西。
    Bùyào zài chuáng shàng chī dōngxi.
    Don't eat food on the bed.
  • 你想在哪儿开生日派对？
    Nǐ xiǎng zài nǎr kāi shēngrì pàiduì?
    Where do you want to have the birthday party?
  • 现在我们在KTV唱歌。
    Xiànzài wǒmen zài KTV chànggē.
    Now we're singing songs at karaoke.

Words that use this