Going on: 在 and 着
在 for what is happening now, and 着 for states that last.
在 zài, or 正在 zhèngzài, before a verb says an action is going on. 呢 ne often ends the sentence. The negative is 没在, or just 没.
- Wǒ zài chī fàn.I'm eating.
- Tā zhèngzài dǎ diànhuà ne.He's on the phone right now.
- "Nǐ zài zuò shénme?" "Wǒ zài kàn shū.""What are you doing?" "I'm reading."
着: a lasting state
着 zhe after a verb says the state the action leaves lasts: 门开着 "the door is open". It also says how another action is done: 笑着说 "say with a smile". And after a place it says what is there: 墙上挂着一张地图 "a map hangs on the wall".
- Mén kāizhe.The door is open.
- Tā chuānzhe yí jiàn hóng yīfu.He's wearing something red.
- Tā xiàozhe shuō: "Nǐhǎo!"She said hello with a smile.
- Qiáng shàng guàzhe yì zhāng dìtú.There's a map hanging on the wall.
Cards from this guide
8 cardsEach card asks about one thing this guide teaches, and its back gives the answer with why and an example. They're reviewed with the rest of the Verbs cards.
How do you say "I'm eating" (right now)?
我在吃饭。
What does 正在 add to 在?
"Right now": the action is under way at this moment.
How do you say "The door is open"?
门开着。
How do you say "She said with a smile"?
她笑着说。
How do you say "There's a map hanging on the wall"?
墙上挂着一张地图。
How is 着 said after a verb?
zhe, in the neutral tone.
What is the negative of 我在看书?
我没在看书, or just 我没看书.
How do you say "He's wearing something red"?
他穿着一件红衣服。