在家

• Pinyin: zài jiā
• Hanzi breakdown: 在 = 土 (earth) + 才 (phonetic) — to exist at a place; 家 = 宀 (roof) + 豕 (pig) — home

Meaning

At home; to be at home. Indicates being present in one's home.

A verb phrase combining 在 (to be at) + 家 (home). Used to state that someone is at home, or to ask whether someone is home. Very common in phone calls and doorstep conversations. Can also function as a location phrase modifying another verb.

Examples

1. 妈妈在家吗？ Is mum at home?
2. 我今天在家休息。 I'm resting at home today.
3. 他不在家，出去了。 He's not at home; he went out.

Usage Guide

Context: family, everyday, phone

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你爸爸在家吗？(Is your dad at home?)
• 周末我喜欢在家看书。(On weekends I like reading at home.)

Don't Say

• 我在家里面在。(Redundant — say 我在家 or 我在家里, not both patterns together)

Origin & History

Compound of 在 (to be at, to exist at a place) + 家 (home, family). A straightforward verb-object phrase used since Classical Chinese.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal