在场

• Pinyin: zài chǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 在 = at/in; 场 = scene/place

Meaning

To be present; to be on the scene. Being at a location when something happens.

Often used in legal, journalistic, or investigative contexts. Common phrases: 在场人员 (people present), 不在场证明 (alibi), 在场证人 (eyewitness). Opposite: 不在场 (not present).

Examples

1. 事故发生时，有十多个人在场。 When the accident occurred, more than ten people were present.
2. 在场的所有人都目睹了这一幕。 Everyone present witnessed this scene.
3. 警察询问了每一位在场的证人。 The police interviewed every witness who was present.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, events, investigations

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 当时你在场吗？(Were you present at the time?)
• 在场的人都很震惊。(Everyone present was shocked.)

Don't Say

• 我在场你家 (在场 means 'present at a scene', not 'at your home' — say 我在你家)

Origin & History

Compound of 在 (at, in) and 场 (scene, location). To be at the scene.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal