Continuous action or state with 着 (zhe)

Overview

This English reference introduces “Continuous action or state with 着 (zhe)” and focuses on the information most useful when reading Chinese.

Structure

subject + verb + 着 + (object)

subject + verb 1 + 着 + (object) + verb 2/verb phrase

Examples

This section collects practical observations for recognizing the pattern in context.

Common mistakes

Placement

Use this note to compare the pattern with the surrounding words while reading.

Usage notes

着 vs. 在 / 正在

Use this note to compare the pattern with the surrounding words while reading.

Related grammar points

• Actions in progress with 在 (zài) / 正在 (zhèngzài)

• Simultaneous actions with 一边 (yībiān)…一边 (yībiān)…

• Creating adverbs with 地 (de)
• Verb reduplication
• Brief actions with 下 (xià)