在(zài)

HSK 16 strokes

to exist

Print a 在 worksheet PDFPractice writing 在

Stroke order animation

Character information

Pinyin
zài
Meaning
to exist; to be alive; (of sb or sth) to be (located) at; (used before a verb to indicate an action in progress)
Strokes
6
HSK level
HSK 1
Traditional
Same

Origin & structure

Where 在 comes from and how its parts fit together.

Phonetic-semantic compound⿸才土

In this compound, the meaning comes from 土 (earth); 才 supplies the sound.

One part carries the meaning, the other suggests the sound.

Made of

才cái土tǔ

Parts are arranged enclosing from the upper left.

How to write 在 step by step

6 strokes — each frame adds one stroke, shown in dark ink over the lighter ones.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6

Words with 在

Common words using 在 — tap any character to open its stroke-order page.

zài在jiā家
HSK 1

to be at home

Open 在家 page →
bù不zài在hu乎
HSK 4

not to care

Open 不在乎 page →
zài在hū乎
HSK 4

to rest with; to lie in; to be due to (a certain attribute)

Open 在乎 page →
nèi内zài在
HSK 5

inner

Open 内在 page →
zài在nèi内
HSK 5

(included) in it

Open 在内 page →
zài在chǎng场
HSK 5

to be present; to be on the scene

Open 在场 page →
bù不zài在

not to be present; to be out; (euphemism) to pass away; to be deceased

Open 不在 page →
hé何zài在

where?; what place?

Open 何在 page →

Related characters

More HSK 1 characters

一七三上下不东两

From 在’s common words

家不乎内场何

Ready to master 在?

Trace 在 stroke by stroke in the online practice tool, or turn it into a printable worksheet PDF with Tianzige practice grids, pinyin, and stroke-order breakdowns.

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