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Expressing actions in progress with 在 ("zai4")

在 zài

Adverb
HSK 2

Structure

Subj. + 在 + Verb + Obj. Subj. + 正在 + Verb + Obj.

Definition

表示动作正在进行或状态持续。

Indicates an action is in progress or a state is ongoing.

Usage

在动词前加“在”表示动作正在进行，常与“呢”连用加强语气。

Place '在' before the verb to indicate an ongoing action, often used with '呢' to emphasize the progressive aspect.

Examples

  • 1 我在看书呢。 (I am reading a book.)
  • 2 她在做饭。 (She is cooking.)
  • 3 他们正在踢足球。 (They are playing football.)
  • 4 你在干什么？ (What are you doing?)
  • 5 孩子在睡觉呢。 (The child is sleeping.)

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