HSK 2
持续态：动词+着
chí xù tài ： dòng cí + zhe
Continuous aspect: verb + 着 (zhe)
Explanation
着 (zhe) is an aspect particle (a function word attached after a verb to indicate an ongoing state/action; it has no independent meaning). Verb + 着 expresses a state or action that is continuing, lasting.
verb + 着 (zhe). It has two uses: (1) Indicating a STATE that is kept unchanged: 灯亮着 (the light is on), 电脑开着 (the computer is on). (2) Indicating an ACTION in progress, often with 呢 (ne) added at the end: 外边下着雪呢 (it's snowing outside). Two verbs + 着 next to each other mean "while... doing...": 说着笑着 (talking and laughing).
when describing a scene in progress, or a state being maintained. Distinguish the NEGATIVE form: use 没(有) and drop 呢. If it is a STATE, still KEEP 着: 灯没亮着 (the light isn't on). If it is an ACTION in progress, DROP 着: 外边没下雪 (it's not snowing outside), not 没下着雪.
(1) Using 不 to negate (writing 灯不亮着) — wrong, you must use 没. (2) Keeping 着 when negating an action (没下着雪) — you should drop 着. (3) Confusing 着 (zhe, ongoing/maintained) with 在 (zài, in the act of doing); 在 emphasizes an action in progress, 着 emphasizes a lasting state.
Examples
(1) Expressing the continuation of a state
The light stays on the whole time. / The light is not on.
The computer is on. / The computer is not on.
(2) Expressing the continuation of an action
It's snowing outside. / It's not snowing outside.
They talked and laughed, and before long they reached school.
Practice
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Learn “持续态：动词+着” effectively
The grammar point “持续态：动词+着” (Continuous aspect: verb + 着 (zhe)) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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