存在 cúnzài to exist
to exist; to be; existence
How to remember 存在: 存 exist + 在 at = to exist.
Characters
How it is used
- A formal verb for abstract existence - problems, phenomena, differences - not for concrete objects being present, which uses 有 or 在. 这个问题不存在 (zhè ge wèntí bù cúnzài) - this problem doesn't exist. Very common as 存在 + noun: 存在差异 (cúnzài chāyì) - differences exist. Written/analytical register, common in reports and essays rather than casual chat.
Example sentences
- 你觉着有外星人存在吗？ Nǐ juézhe yǒu wàixīngrén cúnzài ma?Do you think there are aliens?
- 没有空气，人无法存在。 Méiyǒu kōngqì, rén wúfǎ cúnzài.Humans can't live without air.