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Expressing actions in progress (full form)

正在 zhèngzài

Verb
HSK 3

Structure

Subj. + 正在 / 正 / 在 + Verb + 呢 Subj. (+ 正) + Verb + 着 + Obj. + 呢 Subj. + Verb + Obj. + 呢

Definition

表示动作正在进行的状态，强调此刻正在发生。

Indicates that an action is currently in progress, emphasizing that it is happening at this moment.

Usage

常用于口语和书面语，搭配“正在”和“呢”构成“正在……呢”结构。可以表示说话时动作的持续，也可用于描述背景动作。完整形式（包含“正在”和“呢”）语气更强。

Commonly used in both spoken and written language, forming the '正在……呢' structure with '正在' and '呢'. It can indicate an ongoing action at the moment of speaking or describe background actions. The full form (with both '正在' and '呢') adds emphasis.

Examples

  • 1 我正在做作业呢。 (I am doing my homework right now.)
  • 2 他正在看书呢。 (He is reading a book.)
  • 3 妈妈正在做饭呢。 (Mom is cooking.)
  • 4 他们正在踢足球呢。 (They are playing soccer.)
  • 5 外面正在下雨呢。 (It is raining outside.)

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