A2 Particles 13 min read Easy

The Ongoing State Particle 着 (zhe)

Use 着 (zhe) right after a verb to freeze time and describe an ongoing state, like wearing or holding.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 着 (zhe) to describe an action that is currently in progress or a state that is being maintained.

  • Attach to a verb to show continuous action: {他|tā}{正|zhèng}{在|zài}{听|tīng}{着|zhe}{音|yīn}{乐|yuè}.
  • Describe a state of being: {门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}.
  • Use in the negative with {没|méi} or {没有|méiyǒu}: {他|tā}{没|méi}{戴|dài}{着|zhe}{帽|mào}{子|zi}.
Verb + 着 (zhe) = Ongoing State/Action

Overview

The Chinese particle 着 (zhe) is crucial for describing states and ongoing situations. Unlike English, which often uses the single suffix "-ing" for various continuous meanings, Mandarin Chinese differentiates between an action in progress (在 (zài)) and the sustained state resulting from an action, which is where 着 (zhe) comes in. At its core, 着 (zhe) attaches to a verb to indicate that the action has either created a lingering state that continues to exist, or that an action is ongoing and serves as a background condition for another event.

It shifts the focus from the dynamism of an action to the static continuation of its outcome or its prolonged presence. Mastering 着 (zhe) is essential for painting vivid, natural pictures in your descriptions and conversations.

Historically, 着 (zhe) originated from the verb 住 (zhù), meaning 'to stop' or 'to dwell.' This etymology provides insight into its function: it implies that an action or its result has 'stopped' or 'dwelled' in a particular state, persisting over time. It is not about the action happening but rather the condition of things being in a certain way.

How This Grammar Works

着 (zhe) primarily functions to denote the continuation of a state that has resulted from a preceding action. The action itself might have been brief or completed, but its effect endures. Think of it as describing the aftermath or current condition rather than the dynamic execution.
For instance, if you 开 (kāi) (open) a door, the door then remains 开着 (kāi zhe) (open). The act of opening is finished, but the state of being open persists.
Beyond sustained states, 着 (zhe) can also indicate an action that is ongoing and serves as a background or manner for another action. In this construction, one action sets the scene or describes how another action is performed. For example, 她笑着说 (tā xiào zhe shuō) translates to "She said, smiling." Here, 笑 (xiào) (to smile) is a continuous background action that accompanies 说 (shuō) (to speak).
The focus remains on the state of smiling while speaking.
Verbs that frequently take 着 (zhe) often fall into categories describing posture, attire, placement, or the state of objects:
  • Verbs of wearing: 穿 (chuān) (to wear clothes), 戴 (dài) (to wear accessories like glasses, hats, or jewelry).
  • 她穿着一件红色的连衣裙 (tā chuān zhe yī jiàn hóngsè de liányīqún). – She is wearing a red dress.
  • Verbs of placement/posture: 坐 (zuò) (to sit), 站 (zhàn) (to stand), 躺 (tǎng) (to lie down), 挂 (guà) (to hang), 放 (fàng) (to place).
  • 书桌上放着我的手机 (shūzhuō shàng fàng zhe wǒ de shǒujī). – My phone is sitting on the desk.
  • Verbs of opening/closing/holding: 开 (kāi) (to open/turn on), 关 (guān) (to close/turn off), 拿 (ná) (to hold), 提 (tí) (to carry).
  • 办公室的灯还亮着 (bànggōngshì de dēng hái liàng zhe). – The office light is still on.

Formation Pattern

1
Using 着 (zhe) is straightforward as it does not involve verb conjugation. It always immediately follows the verb it modifies. The core patterns are as follows:
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1. Affirmative Statement: Sustained State
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Subject + Verb + 着 (zhe) (+ Object/Location)
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | Translation |
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| :-------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :------------------------------- |
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| Subject + Verb + 着 (zhe) | 他坐着。 | Tā zuò zhe. | He is sitting. |
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| Subject + Verb + 着 (zhe) + Obj | 她穿着毛衣。 | Tā chuān zhe máoyī. | She is wearing a sweater. |
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| Locative + Verb + 着 (zhe) + Obj | 墙上挂着一幅画。 | Qiáng shàng guà zhe yī fú huà. | A picture is hanging on the wall. |
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2. Negative Statement: Non-Sustained State
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Subject + 没 (méi) + Verb + 着 (zhe) (+ Object/Location)
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It is crucial to use 没 (méi) for negation with 着 (zhe). Never use 不 (bù). Using 不 (bù) would fundamentally alter the meaning or render the sentence ungrammatical in this context.
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | Translation |
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| :--------------------------------------- | :-------------------------- | :--------------------------------- | :--------------------------- |
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| Subject + 没 (méi) + Verb + 着 (zhe) | 门没开着。 | Mén méi kāi zhe. | The door is not open. |
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| Subject + 没 (méi) + Verb + 着 (zhe) | 他没穿着鞋。 | Tā méi chuān zhe xié. | He isn't wearing shoes. |
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3. Question Formation
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Using 吗 (ma): Subject + Verb + 着 (zhe) (+ Object) + 吗 (ma)?
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你拿着行李吗？ (Nǐ ná zhe xíngli ma?) – Are you holding the luggage?
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Using 没 (méi) (Affirmative-Negative): Subject + Verb + 着 (zhe) + 没 (méi)?
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While grammatically possible, Verb + 着 (zhe) + 没 (méi) is less common for questions about sustained states compared to the 吗 (ma) particle. It's more common with verbs indicating existence or completion, e.g., 你吃着饭没？ (Have you eaten yet? – but here 着 functions differently, often as a resultative complement zháo). Stick to 吗 (ma) for A2 level inquiries about ongoing states.
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4. Action in Manner/Background
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Subject + Verb1 + 着 (zhe) + Verb2 (+ Object)
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| Structure | Example (Chinese) | Pinyin | Translation |
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| :--------------------------------------- | :------------------------ | :--------------------------------- | :---------------------------------- |\
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| Subject + V1 + 着 (zhe) + V2 | 我站着说话。 | Wǒ zhàn zhe shuōhuà. | I speak while standing. |\
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| Subject + V1 + 着 (zhe) + V2 + Object | 他笑着看我。 | Tā xiào zhe kàn wǒ. | He looked at me, smiling. |

When To Use It

着 (zhe) is versatile, appearing in numerous contexts to provide clarity and naturalness to Chinese expressions. Its primary function is to vividly describe the continuous state of affairs, be it a person's appearance, an object's position, or the manner in which an action is carried out.
1. Describing a Sustained State: This is the most common and fundamental use. The effect of an action persists. It describes how things are rather than what is being done dynamically.
  • 窗户开着，很凉快。 (Chuānghu kāi zhe, hěn liángkuai.) – The window is open, it's very cool.
  • 她手上拿着一本书。 (Tā shǒu shàng ná zhe yī běn shū.) – She has a book in her hand (literally: in her hand holds a book).
2. Describing Appearance or Attire: When talking about what someone is wearing or carrying as part of their current look.
  • 那位女士穿着一件漂亮的旗袍。 (Nà wèi nǚshì chuān zhe yī jiàn piàoliang de qípáo.) – That lady is wearing a beautiful qipao.
  • 我哥哥戴着眼镜。 (Wǒ gēge dài zhe yǎnjìng.) – My elder brother wears glasses (is currently wearing glasses).
3. Indicating Manner or Background Action: When one action happens while another continuous state or action is in progress, typically using the Verb1 + 着 (zhe) + Verb2 structure. Verb1 describes the manner or background, Verb2 is the main action.
  • 他坐着听音乐。 (Tā zuò zhe tīng yīnyuè.) – He listens to music while sitting (the state of sitting is continuous).
  • 孩子们跑着玩儿。 (Háizimen pǎo zhe wánr.) – The children play while running.
4. Maintaining a State for a Period: Often used with duration or at the end of a sentence with 呢 (ne) to emphasize that a state has been ongoing or continues indefinitely.
  • 灯一直亮着。 (Dēng yīzhí liàng zhe.) – The light has been on all the time.
  • 你睡着呢，我不想打扰你。 (Nǐ shuì zhe ne, wǒ bù xiǎng dǎrǎo nǐ.) – You’re sleeping (in a sleeping state), I don't want to disturb you.
5. Softening Commands or Requests: Adding 着 (zhe) to certain verbs can make a command sound less abrupt and more like an instruction to maintain an action or state.
  • 你看着我！ (Nǐ kàn zhe wǒ!) – Look at me! (Implies to keep looking, or pay attention, softer than a blunt 你看我!).
  • 好好听着！ (Hǎohǎo tīng zhe!) – Listen carefully! (Implies to maintain a state of careful listening).

When Not To Use It

Understanding when 着 (zhe) is inappropriate is as critical as knowing when to use it, especially given its distinctions from other continuous markers in Chinese.
1. For Dynamic, Actively Progressing Actions (Use 在 (zài) instead): The most common mistake. 着 (zhe) describes a state, not the process of an action. If you want to say someone is in the midst of performing an action, 在 (zài) (or 正在 (zhèngzài)) is the correct particle.
  • Incorrect: 他吃着饭 to mean "He is actively eating right now."
  • Correct: 他正在吃饭。 (Tā zhèngzài chī fàn.) – He is currently eating.
  • (Note: 他吃着饭 could be correct in the context of 他吃着饭看电视 meaning "He eats while watching TV," where 吃着饭 describes a state of eating concurrent with another action, rather than just the dynamic process of eating itself).
2. With Momentary or Punctual Verbs That Lack a Sustained State: Verbs describing actions that happen instantaneously or whose completion means the action is over and leaves no continuing state. These verbs cannot grammatically combine with 着 (zhe) as a state-marker particle.
  • Examples: 死 (sǐ) (to die), 到 (dào) (to arrive), 去 (qù) (to go), 来 (lái) (to come), 开始 (kāishǐ) (to begin), 完成 (wánchéng) (to complete).
  • Incorrect: 他去着学校。 (Tā qù zhe xuéxiào.) to mean "He is going to school."
  • Correct: 他去学校了。 (Tā qù xuéxiào le.) – He went to school. or 他在去学校。 (Tā zài qù xuéxiào.) – He is on his way to school.
  • Important Nuance: Be careful to distinguish the particle 着 (zhe) from the resultative complement 着 (zháo). While they share a character, they have different tones and functions. 着 (zháo) often follows verbs to indicate the successful completion of an action or that something has 'caught on' or 'fallen into' a state. For example, 睡着 (shuì zháo) (to fall asleep), 找到 (zhǎo dào) (to find successfully). The particle 着 (zhe) never means successful completion.
3. When Negating with 不 (bù): As established, 着 (zhe) is always negated with 没 (méi). Using 不 (bù) results in an ungrammatical or incorrect sentence structure in the context of indicating a sustained state.
  • Incorrect: 灯不亮着。 (Dēng bù liàng zhe.)
  • Correct: 灯没亮着。 (Dēng méi liàng zhe.) – The light isn't on.
4. When the Action is Hypothetical or Not Yet Realized: 着 (zhe) describes existing or ongoing states. It is not used for intentions, desires, or actions that have not yet begun.
  • Incorrect: 我想穿着新衣服。 (Wǒ xiǎng chuān zhe xīn yīfu.) to mean "I want to wear new clothes."
  • Correct: 我想穿新衣服。 (Wǒ xiǎng chuān xīn yīfu.)

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when using 着 (zhe). Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying reasons will accelerate your mastery.
1. Confusing 着 (zhe) with 在 (zài): This is arguably the most pervasive error. Both can translate to English "-ing" but signal vastly different aspects of continuity.
  • The Error: Using 着 (zhe) when you mean an active, dynamic process, or using 在 (zài) when you mean a sustained state.
  • Why it's wrong: 在 (zài) indicates the process of an action (He is doing X), while 着 (zhe) indicates the resultant state of an action (He is in the state of having done X).
  • Example of Error: Saying 他在开着灯 (tā zài kāi zhe dēng) to mean "He is currently turning on the light." (This is redundant and grammatically awkward; 开着灯 already means the light is on).
  • Correction: 他在开灯。 (Tā zài kāi dēng.) – He is turning on the light. (Active process).
  • Correction: 灯开着呢。 (Dēng kāi zhe ne.) – The light is on. (Sustained state).
2. Using 不 (bù) for Negation: As detailed in the formation pattern, 着 (zhe) always pairs with 没 (méi) for negation.
  • The Error: 我们不坐着。 (Wǒmen bù zuò zhe.)
  • Why it's wrong: 不 (bù) negates intent or a habitual action, not the continuation of a state. 没 (méi) specifically negates the existence or continuation of an action/state.
  • Correction: 我们没坐着。 (Wǒmen méi zuò zhe.) – We are not sitting.
3. Misplacing 着 (zhe): 着 (zhe) must immediately follow the verb it modifies. It cannot be separated by an object or other elements.
  • The Error: 他拿手机着。 (Tā ná shǒujī zhe.)
  • Why it's wrong: The particle attaches directly to the verb. The object comes after the Verb + 着 (zhe) phrase.
  • Correction: 他拿着手机。 (Tā ná zhe shǒujī.) – He is holding a phone.
4. Overgeneralizing English "-ing" to 着 (zhe): Not every English continuous tense translates directly to 着 (zhe). Many will use 在 (zài) or other structures.
  • The Error: 外面下着雨。 (Wàimiàn xià zhe yǔ.) to mean "It is raining outside" in a dynamic, active sense.
  • Why it's often better to use 在 (zài) here for active process: While 下着雨 can describe a state of rain (e.g., 外面一直下着雨，我哪儿也去不了。 - It's been raining all the time, I can't go anywhere), for the simple dynamic "it is raining now," 正在下雨 (zhèngzài xià yǔ) or 在下雨 (zài xià yǔ) is more direct for the action.
  • Correction: 外面正在下雨。 (Wàimiàn zhèngzài xià yǔ.) – It is currently raining outside.

Common Collocations

Memorizing common verb + 着 (zhe) combinations will significantly enhance your fluency and make your Chinese sound more natural. These phrases are frequently used by native speakers.
  • Posture & Position:
  • 坐着 (zuò zhe) – sitting (in a seated state)
  • 你为什么一直坐着？起来走走吧。 (Nǐ wèishénme yīzhí zuò zhe? Qǐlái zǒu zǒu ba.) – Why have you been sitting all this time? Get up and walk around.
  • 站着 (zhàn zhe) – standing (in a standing state)
  • 教室里站着很多学生。 (Jiàoshì lǐ zhàn zhe hěn duō xuésheng.) – Many students are standing in the classroom.
  • 躺着 (tǎng zhe) – lying down (in a prone state)
  • 他病了，躺着休息呢。 (Tā bìng le, tǎng zhe xiūxi ne.) – He’s sick, lying down and resting.
  • 趴着 (pā zhe) – lying on one's stomach (in a prone state)
  • 小狗趴着睡觉。 (Xiǎo gǒu pā zhe shuìjiào.) – The puppy is sleeping on its stomach.
  • 蹲着 (dūn zhe) – squatting (in a squatting state)
  • 奶奶蹲着给花浇水。 (Nǎinai dūn zhe gěi huā jiāoshuǐ.) – Grandma is squatting to water the flowers.
  • Wearing & Holding:
  • 穿着 (chuān zhe) – wearing (clothes)
  • 她穿着一件蓝色的外套。 (Tā chuān zhe yī jiàn lánsè de wàitào.) – She is wearing a blue jacket.
  • 戴着 (dài zhe) – wearing (accessories: hat, glasses, watch, jewelry)
  • 他戴着一副太阳镜。 (Tā dài zhe yī fù tàiyángjìng.) – He is wearing a pair of sunglasses.
  • 拿着 (ná zhe) – holding (in hand)
  • 我手里拿着一杯咖啡。 (Wǒ shǒulǐ ná zhe yī bēi kāfēi.) – I am holding a cup of coffee in my hand.
  • 提着 (tí zhe) – carrying (by a handle)
  • 她提着一个大包。 (Tā tí zhe yī ge dà bāo.) – She is carrying a big bag.
  • State of Objects/Environment:
  • 开着 (kāi zhe) – open; on (door, window, light, machine)
  • 商店还开着吗？ (Shāngdiàn hái kāi zhe ma?) – Is the store still open?
  • 关着 (guān zhe) – closed; off (door, window, light, machine)
  • 请把窗户关着。 (Qǐng bǎ chuānghu guān zhe.) – Please leave the window closed (or keep the window closed).
  • 亮着 (liàng zhe) – lit; on (lights)
  • 晚上教室的灯都亮着。 (Wǎnshàng jiàoshì de dēng dōu liàng zhe.) – All the lights in the classroom are on at night.
  • 放着 (fàng zhe) – placed; kept (on a surface)
  • 桌子上放着很多书。 (Zhuōzi shàng fàng zhe hěn duō shū.) – Many books are placed on the table.
  • 挂着 (guà zhe) – hanging (on a wall, hook)
  • 墙上挂着一幅世界地图。 (Qiáng shàng guà zhe yī fú shìjiè dìtú.) – A world map is hanging on the wall.
**Manner Verbs (Verb1 着 (zhe) + Verb2) **
  • 笑着 (xiào zhe) – smilingly
  • 她笑着对我说“你好”。 (Tā xiào zhe duì wǒ shuō “nǐ hǎo”.) – She smiled and said "hello" to me.
  • 哭着 (kū zhe) – tearfully; crying
  • 孩子哭着找妈妈。 (Háizi kū zhe zhǎo māma.) – The child is crying while looking for mom.
  • 走着 (zǒu zhe) – walking (while doing something else)
  • 他走着回家。 (Tā zǒu zhe huí jiā.) – He walked home (i.e., by foot, not by vehicle).

Contrast With Similar Patterns

The subtle differences between 着 (zhe) and other particles that express continuity or completion are a frequent source of confusion. A clear understanding of these contrasts is vital for accurate and natural expression.
1. 着 (zhe) vs. 在 (zài) (or 正在 (zhèngzài))
This is the most critical distinction. Both can be translated as

Formation of 着

Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Verb + 着
{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}
Negative
没(有) + Verb + 着
{没|méi}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}
Question
Verb + 着 + 吗?
{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}{吗|ma}?
Alternative Q
Verb + 着 + 没(有)?
{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}{没|méi}{有|yǒu}?
Progressive
正/正在 + Verb + 着
{正|zhèng}{在|zài}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}
Past/Present
Verb + 着
{他|tā}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{衣|yī}{服|fu}

Meanings

The particle 着 indicates that an action is ongoing or that a state is being maintained over a period of time.

1

Continuous Action

An action currently happening.

“{大|dà}{家|jiā}{都|dōu}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}.”

“{他|tā}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{书|shū}.”

2

State Maintenance

Describing the condition of an object or person.

“{灯|dēng}{亮|liàng}{着|zhe}.”

“{窗|chuāng}{户|hu}{关|guān}{着|zhe}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The Ongoing State Particle 着 (zhe)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
V + 着
{看|kàn}{着|zhe}
Negative
没 + V + 着
{没|méi}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}
Question
V + 着 + 吗
{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{吗|ma}?
Alternative
V + 着 + 没
{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{没|méi}?
Progressive
正在 + V + 着
{正|zhèng}{在|zài}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}
State
V + 着
{灯|dēng}{亮|liàng}{着|zhe}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{门|mén}{正|zhèng}{处|chǔ}{于|yú}{开|kāi}{启|qǐ}{状|zhuàng}{态|tài}.

{门|mén}{正|zhèng}{处|chǔ}{于|yú}{开|kāi}{启|qǐ}{状|zhuàng}{态|tài}. (Describing a room)

Neutral
{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}.

{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}. (Describing a room)

Informal
{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}{呢|ne}.

{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}{呢|ne}. (Describing a room)

Slang
{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}{呗|bei}.

{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}{呗|bei}. (Describing a room)

着 Usage Map

着 (zhe)

Action

  • {跑|pǎo}{着|zhe} running

State

  • {开|kāi}{着|zhe} is open
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Examples by Level

1

{他|tā}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}.

He is sitting.

2

{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}.

The door is open.

3

{我|wǒ}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{你|nǐ}.

I am looking at you.

4

{灯|dēng}{亮|liàng}{着|zhe}.

The light is on.

1

{你|nǐ}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{什|shén}{么|me}?

What are you wearing?

2

{他|tā}{没|méi}{戴|dài}{着|zhe}{眼|yǎn}{镜|jìng}.

He is not wearing glasses.

3

{窗|chuāng}{户|hu}{关|guān}{着|zhe}{吗|ma}?

Is the window closed?

4

{音|yīn}{乐|yuè}{放|fàng}{着|zhe}.

The music is playing.

1

{他|tā}{笑|xiào}{着|zhe}{对|duì}{我|wǒ}{说|shuō}.

He said to me while smiling.

2

{墙|qiáng}{上|shàng}{挂|guà}{着|zhe}{一|yī}{幅|fú}{画|huà}.

A painting is hanging on the wall.

3

{我|wǒ}{正|zhèng}{在|zài}{听|tīng}{着|zhe}{收|shōu}{音|yīn}{机|jī}.

I am listening to the radio.

4

{他|tā}{没|méi}{有|yǒu}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{我|wǒ}.

He was not looking at me.

1

{她|tā}{拿|ná}{着|zhe}{雨|yǔ}{伞|sǎn}{走|zǒu}{了|le}.

She left holding an umbrella.

2

{桌|zhuō}{子|zi}{上|shàng}{摆|bǎi}{着|zhe}{各|gè}{种|zhǒng}{水|shuǐ}{果|guǒ}.

Various fruits are laid out on the table.

3

{他|tā}{躺|tǎng}{着|zhe}{看|kàn}{电|diàn}{视|shì}.

He is watching TV while lying down.

4

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{字|zì}{写|xiě}{着|zhe}{什|shén}{么|me}?

What is written on this character?

1

{他|tā}{一|yī}{直|zhí}{忙|máng}{着|zhe}{工|gōng}{作|zuò}.

He has been busy working all along.

2

{外|wài}{面|miàn}{下|xià}{着|zhe}{大|dà}{雨|yǔ}.

It is raining heavily outside.

3

{他|tā}{怀|huái}{里|lǐ}{抱|bào}{着|zhe}{一|yī}{只|zhī}{猫|māo}.

He is holding a cat in his arms.

4

{门|mén}{口|kǒu}{站|zhàn}{着|zhe}{一|yī}{个|gè}{人|rén}.

A person is standing at the door.

1

{他|tā}{眼|yǎn}{里|lǐ}{闪|shǎn}{着|zhe}{泪|lèi}{光|guāng}.

His eyes were glistening with tears.

2

{这|zhè}{里|lǐ}{还|hái}{留|liú}{着|zhe}{当|dāng}{年|nián}{的|de}{痕|hén}{迹|jì}.

The traces of that year still remain here.

3

{他|tā}{嘴|zuǐ}{里|lǐ}{念|niàn}{叨|dāo}{着|zhe}{什|shén}{么|me}.

He was muttering something to himself.

4

{他|tā}{心|xīn}{里|lǐ}{想|xiǎng}{着|zhe}{家|jiā}{乡|xiāng}.

He was thinking of his hometown.

Easily Confused

The Ongoing State Particle 着 (zhe) vs 着 vs 在

Both indicate continuity, leading to confusion.

The Ongoing State Particle 着 (zhe) vs 着 vs 了

Both are aspect particles.

The Ongoing State Particle 着 (zhe) vs 着 vs 过

Both are aspect particles.

Common Mistakes

✗

{他|tā}{在|zài}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}.

✓

{他|tā}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}.

Don't over-use 在 with state verbs.
✗

{他|tā}{不|bù}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}.

✓

{他|tā}{没|méi}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}.

Use 没 for negation.
✗

{我|wǒ}{吃|chī}{着|zhe}{饭|fàn}.

✓

{我|wǒ}{正|zhèng}{在|zài}{吃|chī}{饭|fàn}.

着 is for states, 在 is for active eating.
✗

{他|tā}{到|dào}{着|zhe}{了|le}.

✓

{他|dào}{了|le}.

着 cannot be used with point-in-time verbs.
✗

{门|mén}{关|guān}{了|le}{着|zhe}.

✓

{门|mén}{关|guān}{着|zhe}.

Don't combine 了 and 着 here.
✗

{他|tā}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{衣|yī}{服|fu}{在|zài}.

✓

{他|tā}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{衣|yī}{服|fu}.

Word order error.
✗

{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{着|zhe}{音|yīn}{乐|yuè}{吗|ma}?

✓

{我|wǒ}{听|tīng}{着|zhe}{音|yīn}{乐|yuè}{吗|ma}?

Actually correct, but often misused in context.
✗

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{着|zhe}{去|qù}{学|xué}{校|xiào}.

✓

{他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{着|zhe}{去|qù}{学|xué}{校|xiào}.

Grammatically okay, but contextually specific.
✗

{他|tā}{想|xiǎng}{着|zhe}{买|mǎi}{书|shū}.

✓

{他|tā}{想|xiǎng}{买|mǎi}{书|shū}.

着 is not for mental intent.
✗

{他|tā}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}{睡|shuì}{着|zhe}{了|le}.

✓

{他|tā}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{电|diàn}{影|yǐng}{睡|shuì}{着|zhe}{了|le}.

Actually correct, but complex.
✗

{他|tā}{站|zhàn}{着|zhe}{在|zài}{门|mén}{口|kǒu}.

✓

{他|tā}{站|zhàn}{在|zài}{门|mén}{口|kǒu}.

着 is redundant here.
✗

{他|tā}{写|xiě}{着|zhe}{一|yī}{封|fēng}{信|xìn}.

✓

{他|tā}{正|zhèng}{在|zài}{写|xiě}{一|yī}{封|fēng}{信|xìn}.

着 is not for active writing.
✗

{他|tā}{笑|xiào}{着|zhe}{说|shuō}.

✓

{他|tā}{笑|xiào}{着|zhe}{说|shuō}.

Correct, but check register.
✗

{他|tā}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{那|nà}{本|běn}{书|shū}.

✓

{他|tā}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{那|nà}{本|běn}{书|shū}.

Correct, but check context.

Sentence Patterns

___ + 着 + ___

___ + 没 + ___ + 着

___ + 正 + 在 + ___ + 着

___ + 着 + ___ + ___

Real World Usage

Texting very common

{我|wǒ}{在|zài}{等|děng}{着|zhe}{你|nǐ}{呢|ne}.

Social Media common

{这|zhè}{里|lǐ}{美|měi}{景|jǐng}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{真|zhēn}{好|hǎo}.

Job Interview occasional

{我|wǒ}{一|yī}{直|zhí}{在|zài}{学|xué}{着|zhe}{新|xīn}{技|jì}{能|néng}.

Travel common

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{房|fáng}{间|jiān}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}{空|kōng}{调|tiáo}.

Food Delivery common

{我|wǒ}{正|zhèng}{在|zài}{等|děng}{着|zhe}{外|wài}{卖|mài}.

Describing Photos very common

{他|tā}{笑|xiào}{着|zhe}{看|kàn}{镜|jìng}{头|tóu}.

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💡

Don't overthink it

If you want to say something is happening, just add 着 after the verb. It's that simple!
⚠️

Watch out for point-in-time verbs

Verbs like 'arrive' or 'finish' don't work with 着 because they aren't continuous.
🎯

Use with 在 for emphasis

Adding 在 before the verb makes the 'ongoing' part even stronger.
💬

Regional differences

Some regions might use other particles, but 着 is the standard for Mandarin.

Smart Tips

Use 着 to list the states of objects in the room.

{桌|zhuō}{子|zi}{上|shàng}{有|yǒu}{书|shū}. → {桌|zhuō}{子|zi}{上|shàng}{摆|bǎi}{着|zhe}{书|shū}.

Always use 穿着 for clothing.

{他|tā}{穿|chuān}{衣|yī}{服|fu}. → {他|tā}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{衣|yī}{服|fu}.

Always use 没, never 不.

{他|tā}{不|bù}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}. → {他|tā}{没|méi}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}.

Use 着 to set the background for a main action.

{他|tā}{笑|xiào}{说|shuō}. → {他|tā}{笑|xiào}{着|zhe}{说|shuō}.

Pronunciation

zhe (light)

Neutral Tone

着 is pronounced as a neutral tone, meaning it has no pitch contour and is short.

Statement

{他|tā}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe} →

Neutral declarative statement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 着 as a 'sticky' note that keeps the verb stuck in the present moment.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing still with a 'Z' shaped glue bottle (Zhe) pouring glue on their feet so they stay in that state.

Rhyme

Action or state, don't be stressed, just add the particle 着 (zhe).

Story

Xiao Ming is sitting (坐着) in a chair. He is reading (看着) a book. The door is open (开着). He is happy.

Word Web

{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{听|tīng}{着|zhe}{站|zhàn}{着|zhe}

Challenge

Describe 3 things in your room using 'Verb + 着' in the next 5 minutes.

Cultural Notes

Commonly used in daily life to describe states of objects.

Similar usage, but sometimes uses '在' more frequently for progressive.

Sometimes uses '紧' instead of '着' for progressive.

着 originated from the verb 'to attach' or 'to touch' in Classical Chinese.

Conversation Starters

“

{你|nǐ}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{什|shén}{么|me}?

“

{窗|chuāng}{户|hu}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}{吗|ma}?

“

{那|nà}{个|gè}{人|rén}{站|zhàn}{着|zhe}{在|zài}{做|zuò}{什|shén}{么|me}?

“

{你|nǐ}{桌|zhuō}{子|zi}{上|shàng}{摆|bǎi}{着|zhe}{什|shén}{么|me}?

Journal Prompts

Describe your current room.
Describe what your family members are doing right now.
Describe a photo you took recently.
Describe a busy street scene.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with 着.

{他|tā}{坐|zuò}___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 着
着 marks the ongoing state.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}.
Simple state description.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{他|tā}{不|bù}{站|zhàn}{着|zhe}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{没|méi}{站|zhàn}{着|zhe}.
Use 没 for negation.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

{着|zhe} / {看|kàn} / {我|wǒ} / {他|tā}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{我|wǒ}
Subject-Verb-Particle-Object.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: {你|nǐ}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{什|shén}{么|me}? B: ______

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{衣|yī}{服|fu}.
Answering the state question.
Transform to negative. Sentence Transformation

{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {门|mén}{没|méi}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}.
Use 没 for negation.
Which verb can take 着? Grammar Sorting

Select the verb.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {坐|zuò}
坐 is a state verb.
Match the Chinese to English. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All match
Correct mappings.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with 着.

{他|tā}{坐|zuò}___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 着
着 marks the ongoing state.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{坐|zuò}{着|zhe}.
Simple state description.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{他|tā}{不|bù}{站|zhàn}{着|zhe}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{没|méi}{站|zhàn}{着|zhe}.
Use 没 for negation.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

{着|zhe} / {看|kàn} / {我|wǒ} / {他|tā}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{看|kàn}{着|zhe}{我|wǒ}
Subject-Verb-Particle-Object.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: {你|nǐ}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{什|shén}{么|me}? B: ______

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ}{穿|chuān}{着|zhe}{衣|yī}{服|fu}.
Answering the state question.
Transform to negative. Sentence Transformation

{门|mén}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {门|mén}{没|méi}{开|kāi}{着|zhe}.
Use 没 for negation.
Which verb can take 着? Grammar Sorting

Select the verb.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {坐|zuò}
坐 is a state verb.
Match the Chinese to English. Match Pairs

Match:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All match
Correct mappings.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct particle. Fill in the Blank

{她|tā} {手里|shǒulǐ} {拿|ná} ___ {一|yī} {杯|bēi} {茶|chá}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {着|zhe}
Reorder the words to say: 'A picture is hanging on the wall.' Sentence Reorder

Reorder the sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {墙|qiáng} {上|shàng} {挂|guà} {着|zhe} {一|yī} {幅|fú} {画|huà}
Translate the sentence into Chinese. Translation

The door is open.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {门|mén} {开|kāi} {着|zhe}。
Which sentence means 'eating while standing'? Multiple Choice

Select the correct V1 + 着 + V2 structure:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {站|zhàn} {着|zhe} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}
Fix the mistake in expressing 'He is putting on clothes'. Error Correction

He is actively putting on a shirt. -> {他|tā} {穿|chuān} {着|zhe} {衬衫|chènshān}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {在|zài} {穿|chuān} {衬衫|chènshān}。
Match the situation to the correct grammar particle. Match Pairs

Match the particle to its usage:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Complete the negative sentence. Fill in the Blank

I am not wearing glasses: {我|wǒ} ___ {戴|dài} {着|zhe} {眼镜|yǎnjìng}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {没|méi}
Reorder the words to say: 'Don't stand, sit down.' Sentence Reorder

Reorder the sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {别|bié} {站|zhàn} {着|zhe}， {坐下|zuòxià}
Translate 'She is holding an umbrella.' Translation

Select the correct translation:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {她|tā} {拿|ná} {着|zhe} {一把|yī bǎ} {伞|sǎn}。
Where should the particle 着 be placed? Multiple Choice

Select the sentence with correct word order:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {拿|ná} {着|zhe} {手机|shǒujī}。

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

It's similar, but 着 focuses on state or background action, not just the active process.

No, 着 is for present states or ongoing actions.

没 is for negation of aspectual particles like 着 and 了.

No, only verbs that can represent a state or continuous action.

在 emphasizes the active process, while 着 emphasizes the state.

Yes, it is common in all registers.

Sometimes, but it's complex. Usually, they serve different aspectual functions.

It is a neutral tone, so it's short and light.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

estar + gerundio

着 is an invariant particle, while 'estar' is a conjugated verb.

French moderate

être en train de

着 covers both active processes and static states, while 'être en train de' is strictly for active processes.

German moderate

am ... sein

着 is used in almost all contexts, while 'am ... sein' is restricted to informal speech.

Japanese high

〜ている

Japanese '〜ている' conjugates for tense, while 着 does not.

Arabic low

يستمر في

Arabic uses verb morphology rather than a particle.

Chinese self

着

This is the reference point.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Chinese Particle 着 (zhe): The 'Pause Button' for Actions
Next
In the Process Of: 正在 (zhèngzài)

Learn These First

A2 Builds On

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