HSK 2
动态助词：着
dòng tài zhù cí ： zhe
The aspect particle: 着 (zhe)
Explanation
着 (zhe) is an aspect particle (动态助词 — a function word placed after a verb to indicate the state of an action; a function word carries no concrete meaning, serving only a grammatical function), placed after the verb to indicate a state that is ongoing or still being maintained, carrying the meaning "in the state of...".
Verb + 着 zhe (+ object). For example 关着 guān zhe = (the door) is in a closed state; 穿着大衣 chuān zhe dàyī = is wearing a coat.
When emphasizing an existing, continuing state (门关着 = the door is in a closed condition), or an action going on alongside another action (唱着歌 = singing while doing something else). The negation uses 没...着 (电视没开着 = the TV is not on).
着 (zhe) emphasizes a STATE being maintained; it differs from 在 (zài) / 正在 (zhèngzài) which emphasize an ACTION in progress. 门关着 refers to the door's closed condition, while 他在关门 (tā zài guān mén) means he is performing the act of closing the door.
Vietnamese learners often negate with 不 (不关着) — wrong; you must use 没 (没关着). Also, 着 goes right after the verb, not at the end of the sentence; if there is an object it comes after 着 (穿着大衣, not 穿大衣着).
Examples
The door is closed. / The door is not closed (not in a closed state).
The TV is on. / The TV is not on.
He is wearing a long black coat.
The children are happily singing in the classroom.
Practice
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Learn “动态助词：着” effectively
The grammar point “动态助词：着” (The aspect particle: 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.
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