Verb + 着 (ongoing state)
IntroducedA door remains in a state
- You describe a door that is standing open, without saying who opened it.
- door门open开(state)着。 — (state)着 presents the continuing open state.
You describe a door that is standing open, without saying who opened it. What does 门开着。 communicate?
着 presents the continuing open state. Compare 他正在开门, which focuses on the opening action. 着 is not restricted to still positions: 他笑着说 describes speaking while smiling. Its neutral-tone reading zhe differs from 睡着的 zháo.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is Verb + (state)着 (ongoing state). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
door门open开(state)着。
Using the lesson pattern in this demonstrated example: The door is open: 门开 ____。
Verb + 着 = an ongoing state: 门开着 (the door is open).
Read examples in context
he他sit坐(state)着read看书。
- In the opening example, door门open开(state)着。: (state)着 presents the continuing open state.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
What does 着 express?
着 = a state that lasts: 坐着看书 (reading while seated).
Build: “Reading while sitting.”
V1 + 着 + V2: 他 + 坐着 + 看书.
Know the boundary
- Compare he他in the middle of正在to open a door (lit. and…开门, which focuses on the opening action.
- (state)着 is not restricted to still positions: he他to laugh笑(state)着variant of 说说 describes speaking while smiling. Its neutral-tone reading zhe differs from to fall asleep睡着(modifier / structural particle)的 zháo.
着 marks a quick, finished action.
着 marks a continuing STATE, not a finished action.
In the opening situation: 着 presents the continuing open state.
Compare 他正在开门, which focuses on the opening action. 着 is not restricted to still positions: 他笑着说 describes speaking while smiling. Its neutral-tone reading zhe differs from 睡着的 zháo. 着 presents the continuing open state.
Use the distinction
- (state)着 presents the continuing open state.
- Compare he他in the middle of正在to open a door (lit. and…开门, which focuses on the opening action. (state)着 is not restricted to still positions: he他to laugh笑(state)着variant of 说说 describes speaking while smiling. Its neutral-tone reading zhe differs from to fall asleep睡着(modifier / structural particle)的 zháo.
Read the full reference: HSK 3 grammar — Particles.
You describe a door that is standing open, without saying who opened it. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.