The expression of existence: “Location + Verb + 着 + Object”
In Chinese, the structure “Location Word + Verb + 着 + Noun Phrase” is used to indicate that something or someone exists or is present in a specific place as a state.
Common verbs used: 放 (fàng — put/placed), 写 (xiě — written), 坐 (zuò — sitting), 住 (zhù — living).
Important rule: The noun phrase must be indefinite (e.g. 一杯咖啡 — a cup of coffee, 一个老师 — a teacher). You CANNOT use definite objects or specific names (e.g. 这本书 — this book, 周经理 — Manager Zhou).
1. Affirmative Form
Location Word + Verb + 着 + Numeral + Measure Word + Noun
桌子上放着一杯咖啡
我家楼上住着一个老师
上面写着320元
桌子上放着很多饮料
2. Negative Form
Location Word + 没 + Verb + 着 + Noun
In the negative form, do NOT use numerals or measure words before the noun!
桌子上没放着咖啡
我家楼上没住着老师
上面没写着多少钱
桌子上没放着饮料