Chinese grammar - Present continuous with 在 (zài) and 正在 (zhèngzài) |
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The present continuous tense in Chinese is formed using the particle 在 (zài) or 正在 (zhèngzài) followed by the main verb. This structure is used to describe actions that are currently happening or ongoing. — It is equivalent to the English '-ing' form as in 'I am doing [right now]'. Using 正在 (zhèngzài) adds more emphasis on an action that is in progress right now. |
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我在吃饭。
wǒ zài chī fàn. I am eating. |
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他在看电视。
tā zài kàn diànshì. He is watching TV. |
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我们在跑步。
wǒmen zài pǎobù. We are running. |
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他们在聊天。
tāmen zài liáotiān. They are chatting. |
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妈妈在做饭。
māma zài zuò fàn. Mom is cooking. |
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爸爸在读书。
bàba zài dú shū. Dad is reading. |
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姐姐在写作业。
jiějie zài xiě zuòyè. Older sister is doing homework. |
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弟弟在玩游戏。
dìdi zài wán yóuxì. Younger brother is playing games. |
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哥哥在打电话。
gēge zài dǎ diànhuà. Older brother is making a phone call. |
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妹妹在听音乐。
mèimei zài tīng yīnyuè. Younger sister is listening to music. |
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奶奶在喝茶。
nǎinai zài hē chá. Grandma is drinking tea. |
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爷爷正在写信。
yéye zhèngzài xiě xìn. Grandpa is (right now) writing the letter.
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叔叔在开车。
shūshu zài kāichē. Uncle is driving. |
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阿姨在打扫房间。
āyí zài dǎsǎo fángjiān. Aunt is cleaning the room. |
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表弟正在上网。
biǎodì zhèngzài shàngwǎng. Cousin (younger male) is (right now) surfing the internet.
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表姐在做运动。
biǎojiě zài zuò yùndòng. Cousin (older female) is exercising.
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