在 zài
“to exist; to be alive; (of sb or sth) to be (located) at; (used before a verb to indicate an action in progress)”
preposition, verb, adverbHSK 1 · 2021 list level 1
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
在 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 272: 在 zài — Level 1; official annotation 1 (动、介、副). PDF page 86
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 在
在 as a main verb means 'to exist' or 'to be alive' — that something or someone is present or living. It is used with a subject and often a place or time, as in 他在家 (he is at home) or 我的狗还在 (my dog is still alive).
例句Example sentences
- 你在吗？nǐ zài ma?Are you there?
- 我的狗还在。wǒ de gǒu hái zài.My dog is still alive.
- 他今天不在。tā jīn tiān bú zài.He is not here today.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我在家是。
✓我在家。
在 already carries the meaning 'to be (present)', so no extra 是 is needed.
-
✗我是在家。
✓我在家。
For simple existence or location, use 在 alone; 是 is not required.
易混词Easily confused
在vs再
在 (zài) means 'to exist/be present'; 再 (zài) means 'again' — they sound the same but are different words.