Using 在 [zài] to talk about location


Subject + 在 + Location + location word (上 ; 下; 里; 旁边...)


Inside 里

香蕉  书包 
The banana is in the bookbag.


不 要 在 这里 抽烟。
Don’t smoke (in) here.


On 上

苹果  桌子 
The apple is on the desk.


你  火车 
You're in the train. (literally, "on" the train)


Under 下

我 的 报纸 怎么  桌子 
Why is my newspaper under the table?


EXCEPTION: 在 is usually used directly after a subject to locate something, but in some rare occasions, it follows the verb.  These verbs are all related to position, placement or movement: to live in; to stand on; to place on; to sit on...  For example:

 (zuò - to sit),

 (zhù - to live),

 (zhàn - to stand),

  (fàng - to place),

 

坐 在椅子 上。
He’s sitting on a chair.


住 在四川。
I live in Sichuan.

老师站 在门口。
The teacher is standing at the door.

放 在桌子 上 了。
The book is on the table.


Uses of 在 [ zài ] / Usos del 在 [ zài ]

Activity on location words / Actividad sobre palabras de localización