What are there on the desk

New words

本 běn measure word for books

电脑 diànnǎo computer

桌子 zhuōzi desk/table

和 hé and

上 (面) shàng miàn above

里(面) lǐ miàn inside

外(面) wài miàn outside

Language points

This is the sentence structure we are going to learn today:

word of locality + （没）有 + noun

The sentence with “有” is to express something’s existence at some place.

桌子 上 有 什么？Zhuōzi shàng yǒu shénme?

(Positive form) 桌子 上 有 一个杯子、一个 电脑 和 三 本 书。Zhuōzi shàng yǒu yí ge bēizi yí ge diànnǎo hé sān běn shū.

桌子 上 有 小猫 吗？Zhuōzi shàng yǒu xiǎomāo ma?

(Negative form) 桌子 上 没 有 小 猫。Zhuōzi shàng méi yǒu xiǎomāo.

In the positive sentences, like “桌子上有一个杯子，一个电脑和三本书”, there is usually a number and a measure word before the noun, like“一个杯子” “一个电脑”, “三本书”, but in the negative sentences or questions, the numbers or measure words should not appear. You can just say “桌子上有小猫吗？”, and “桌子上没有小猫”.