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HSK 2.0 Level 1+ HSK 3.0 Level 1+ 6 min read

是, 有, and 在

Use the three most important beginner verbs for identity, possession, and location.

Pattern

是 = identity; 有 = possession; 在 = location

Choose the verb by the job the sentence is doing.

她是老师。

When to use 是, 有, and 在

是 tells what someone or something is. 有 tells what exists or what someone has. 在 places a person or thing somewhere.

学校有很多学生。

The school has many students.

老师在学校。

The teacher is at school.

我是学生。

I am a student.

桌子上有一本书。

There is a book on the table.

Common traps

  • Do not use 是 before adjectives like 忙 or 高.
  • Use 在 for location, not 是.
  • Negate 有 with 没有, not 不有.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

她 老师

Missing grammar piece
Meanings
to be; identity verb