Use '不在' to state that a person or object is not currently at a specific location.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to indicate someone or something is not present.
- Commonly used to describe physical absence from a location.
- Can also describe a state of being mentally disengaged.
1) 概述：“不在”是由否定词“不”和动词“在”构成的词组。在现代汉语中，它主要用于否定主语的存在地点或状态，是表达位置缺席最基础的词汇。
2) 用法：最常见的结构是“主语 + 不在 + 地点”，例如“他不在家”。此外，它也可以用于抽象层面，表示“不在状态”或“不在考虑范围内”。
3) 常见语境：在日常生活中，常用于电话沟通或询问某人去向时。例如，当别人找某人时，若该人已离开，我们会回答“他不在”。在职场中，也可用于表达某人不在办公室。
4) 近义词辨析：与“不在”相比，“没在”多用于强调动作的持续性（如“我没在看书”），而“不在”侧重于位置的缺失。与“不在场”相比，“不在”更通用，而“不在场”通常指在特定的事件或犯罪现场缺席。
Examples
他现在不在办公室。
everydayHe is not in the office right now.
很抱歉，经理今天不在公司。
formalI'm sorry, the manager is not in the company today.
别找了，他根本不在那儿。
informalDon't look for him, he's not even there.
该数据不在统计范围内。
academicThis data is not within the statistical scope.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
他不在
He is not here.
不在乎
Don't care.
不在话下
A piece of cake.
Often Confused With
Used for actions that are not happening, whereas '不在' is used for location or state of being.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '不在' as a neutral and direct way to indicate absence. It is suitable for both casual conversations and professional emails. Ensure the subject precedes '不在' for correct grammar.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '没在' when they mean '不在'. Also, avoid saying '不在是' as it is grammatically incorrect. Always place the location after '不在'.
Tips
Use it for simple location status
When someone asks about a person's location, '不在' is the most direct way to say they are not there. Keep it short and simple.
Do not confuse with '没在'
Remember that '没在' is for actions, while '不在' is for existence or location. Mixing them up can change the meaning of your sentence.
Polite alternatives in business
In a professional setting, instead of just saying '他不在', you might add '他出去了' (he went out) to sound more polite.
Word Origin
Derived from the negation '不' (not) and the existential verb '在' (to be at/in). These are two of the most fundamental characters in the Chinese language.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, directly stating someone is '不在' is common, but in professional settings, adding a reason (e.g., 'he went to a meeting') is considered more polite.
Memory Tip
Think of '不在' as 'Not-at'. If you are 'Not-at' a place, you are '不在'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“不在”侧重于位置的缺失，表示人或物不在某处。而“没在”通常用于否定动作的进行，例如“我没在吃饭”。
可以，但在对话中通常需要上下文。如果别人问“你在家吗？”，回答“不在”是非常自然的。
可以，常说“不在状态”，意思是精神不集中或情绪不佳。这是一个非常地道的表达。
它是中性词，既可以用于日常口语，也可以在正式场合使用。它是表达缺席最直接的方式。
Test Yourself
他现在___办公室，你过一会儿再打来吧。
描述人不在某个地点，应使用“不在”。
“张先生在家吗？”
“他不在”是回答此类问题的最标准、简洁的方式。
不在 / 我 / 教室 / 里
正确的语序是主语+不在+地点。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '不在' to state that a person or object is not currently at a specific location.
- Used to indicate someone or something is not present.
- Commonly used to describe physical absence from a location.
- Can also describe a state of being mentally disengaged.
Use it for simple location status
When someone asks about a person's location, '不在' is the most direct way to say they are not there. Keep it short and simple.
Do not confuse with '没在'
Remember that '没在' is for actions, while '不在' is for existence or location. Mixing them up can change the meaning of your sentence.
Polite alternatives in business
In a professional setting, instead of just saying '他不在', you might add '他出去了' (he went out) to sound more polite.
Examples
4 of 4他现在不在办公室。
He is not in the office right now.
很抱歉，经理今天不在公司。
I'm sorry, the manager is not in the company today.
别找了，他根本不在那儿。
Don't look for him, he's not even there.
该数据不在统计范围内。
This data is not within the statistical scope.
