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正在

HSK 1
  • Aspect

Structure (结构 jiégòu)

Subject正在Verb(Object)

Meaning (意思 yìsi)

正在 is used to express an action that is currently in progress at the moment of speaking.

Explanation (解释 jiěshì)

The adverb 正在 (zhèngzài) is used to emphasize an action that is happening right now. It is equivalent to the present continuous tense (V-ing) in English. You can use 在 or 正 individually with a similar meaning, but 正在 is the most explicit.

Imagine calling a friend and asking "What are you doing?"; their answer will very likely contain 正在.

Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)

  1. 我正在吃饭。
    繁: 我正在吃飯。Wǒ zhèngzài chīfàn.

    I am eating rice.

  2. 他正在看电视。
    繁: 他正在看電視。Tā zhèngzài kàn diànshì.

    He is watching television.

  3. 你正在做什么？
    繁: 你正在做什麼？Nǐ zhèngzài zuò shénme?

    What are you doing?

  4. 老师正在上课。
    繁: 老師正在上課。Lǎoshī zhèngzài shàngkè.

    The teacher is giving a class.

  5. 妈妈正在做饭。
    繁: 媽媽正在做飯。Māma zhèngzài zuòfàn.

    Mother is cooking dinner.