In this post, we’re going to look at the aspectual particle 着 transcribed zhe. In addition, we will also look at 着 transcribed zhe in comparison with 在 transcribed zài, as both 着 transcribed zhe and 在 transcribed zài mark continuation in Mandarin.
Aspectual particles are used to express the state of an action (e.g., if it has been completed or it is still in progress). We introduce the concept of aspectual particles in our post on 过 transcribed guo and 了 transcribed le in Mandarin. As a reminder, 过 transcribed guo marks a past experience, and 了 transcribed le marks the completion of an action. Whether 在 transcribed zài is an aspectual particle is debatable, but it is a word that learners can confuse a lot with 着 transcribed zhe, so it will be useful to discuss both of them together in this post.
So, here we go! Let’s consider the following two examples:
Although we would translate both examples as “He is singing,” these two examples are used in very different contexts. The first example is something you’d say when someone asks, “What is he doing?” And 在 transcribed zài emphasizes the action in progress. However, the second example is usually accompanied by another action. For example:
In general, 着 transcribed zhe is commonly used with non-action verbs to mark the continuous state but, when it is used with an action verb, like in this case, it indicates a state and is usually accompanied by another verb. In this example, it means the first action (i.e., singing) continues as the second action (i.e., walking towards me) is happening. Sounds interesting? Let’s dive in!
How to use 着 (zhe) for continuous state or action in Mandarin?
着 transcribed zhe is an aspectual particle that marks a continuous state or action. Just like 过 transcribed guo, 着 transcribed zhe also goes right after a verb. Now, let’s talk about three of the common uses of 着 transcribed zhe:
with non-action verbs,
simultaneous actions, and
existence.
How to use 着 (zhe) with non-action verbs
着 transcribed zhe commonly works with non-action verbs or adjectives to mark the continuous state. Non-action verbs are words that describe a state, posture, thoughts, etc. Here are some examples:
How to use 着 (zhe) for simultaneous actions
When 着 transcribed zhe is used with two verbs, it suggests that the first action continues as the second action is happening. That is, the two actions are happening at the same time. Check out the following examples:
The first example suggests that the action of smiling continues while the other action is happening. Note that 笑着 transcribed xiàozhemeaning smiling also describes the manner of the second verb 说话 transcribed shuōhuàmeaning talking.
How to use 着 (zhe) to express existence (there is...)
Finally, 着 transcribed zhe can also indicate existence, like “there is/are…” in English. Here are some examples:
How to use 在 (zài) for actions in progress in Mandarin?
The use of 在 transcribed zài is a lot more straightforward. It can be easily thought of as the verb +ing form in English. Unlike other aspectual particles, 在 transcribed zài goes right before a verb. For example:
Sometimes in a affirmative sentence, 在 transcribed zài is also used as 正在 transcribed zhèngzài which is more formal than 在 transcribed zài. As for negation, 正在 transcribed zhèngzài is not used. We add 没 transcribed méimeaning not or 不 transcribed bùmeaning not before the auxiliary verb 在 transcribed zài. 没 transcribed méimeaning not is more commonly used, though.
You may also want to read how to express ongoing actions with 呢 transcribed ne.
When to use 着 (zhe) vs. 在 (zài) in Mandarin?
So far, we have learned that 着 and 在 have different functions and work with different types of verbs, as summarized in the table below.
| Particle / Uses | 着 transcribed zhe | 在 transcribed zài |
|---|---|---|
| Function | continuous state or action | activity in progress |
| Verb types | non-action verbs | action verbs |
Depending on the nature of the verbs, sometimes 着 transcribed zhe and 在 transcribed zài can get you very different meanings. For verbs that have both action and non-action readings, they receive an action reading with 在 transcribed zài but a non-action reading with 着 transcribed zhe. Here are some examples:
In Mandarin, 穿 transcribed chuānmeaning wear can be an action verb meaning “to put on” or a non-action verb meaning “to wear.” When it is used with 着 transcribed zhe, it receives a non-action reading, i.e. to wear, but when used with 在 transcribed zài, it receives an action reading meaning "to put on."
Same goes for the verb 拿 transcribed námeaning to take. When is is used with 着 transcribed zhe, it receives a non-action reading (i.e. to hold) but, when used with 在 transcribed zài, it receives an action reading meaning "to take."
To sum up
In this and our other post we discussed four major aspectual particles in Mandarin: 了 transcribed le for completion, 过 transcribed guo for experience, 着 transcribed zhe for continuation, and 在 transcribed zài for progression. Remember that these aspectual particles mark the state of an action. 着 transcribed zhe commonly works with non-action verbs; however, when it is used with an action verb, it indicates a state and is usually accompanied by another action, as a way to express simultaneous action. 在 transcribed zài, on the other hand, only works with action verbs. Now, let's check out our exercises to practice using 着 transcribed zhe and 在 transcribed zài to put your knowledge to work!
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