在 (zài) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 在 (zài) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 在 (zài) means "At; in; on; to be present". It is an HSK Level 1 character, with 6 strokes and the radical 土.

Q: How do you write 在 stroke by stroke?

在 has 6 strokes. The radical is 土. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 在 and 圣?

在 (zài) and 圣 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 在?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 土. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 在?

Common words containing 在 include: 在家 (zài jiā) — At home; 正在 (zhèng zài) — In the process of / Currently; 在哪儿 (zài nǎ ér) — Where?.

How to Write 在

The character 在 (zài) is written with 6 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 土 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

在 is pronounced zài in Mandarin Chinese. It means At; in; on; to be present.

As an HSK Level 1 character, 在 is among the first characters beginners learn.

Common Words with 在

在家 zài jiā

At home

正在 zhèng zài

In the process of / Currently

在哪儿 zài nǎ ér

Where?

Example Sentences

我现在在家。

wǒ xiàn zài zài jiā

I am at home now.

他正在吃饭。

tā zhèng zài chī fàn

He is eating a meal.

你的书在哪儿？

nǐ de shū zài nǎ ér

Where is your book?

Similar Characters

圣 shèng

圤 pú

圩 wéi

Practice Writing 在 (zài)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 在 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 在

What does 在 (zài) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 在 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 在 and 圣?

What mistakes do learners make writing 在?

What common words use 在?

How to Write 在 (zài)