elementaryA2 · TOCFL a2aspectgrammar
着
Pattern
Verb + 着 + ongoing state or action
Key words
Core idea
着 follows a verb to show that the state created by that action continues. It is common with posture, placement, wearing, holding, opening, and closing.
The focus is not that an action is actively happening moment by moment. The focus is that the resulting state is still there.
Compare with progressive action
在 before a verb often marks an action in progress. 着 after a verb often marks a continuing state.
Examples
门开着。
Mén kāi zhe.
The door is open.
他坐着看书。
Tā zuò zhe kàn shū.
He is sitting and reading.
墙上挂着一张照片。
Qiáng shàng guà zhe yì zhāng zhàopiàn.
There is a photo hanging on the wall.
Common mistakes
Avoid
门着开。
Use
门开着。
着 follows the verb whose resulting state continues.