How to use 着 In Chinese?

The particle "着" (zhe) in Chinese is used to indicate a continuous or ongoing action or state. It is often added after a verb to show that the action is happening continuously or that a state is ongoing. Here’s how to use "着" with examples:

Continuous Action

When "着" follows a verb, it indicates that the action is ongoing.

Structure:

- Verb + 着 + Object

Examples:

1. 他站着说话。(Tā zhàn zhe shuōhuà.) — He is standing while speaking.

2. 她看着书。(Tā kàn zhe shū.) — She is reading a book.

3. 孩子们玩着游戏。(Háizimen wán zhe yóuxì.) — The children are playing games.

Ongoing State

"着" can also indicate an ongoing state, often used to describe a static condition.

Examples:

1. 门开着。(Mén kāi zhe.) — The door is open.

2. 灯亮着。(Dēng liàng zhe.) — The light is on.

3. 他穿着红色的衣服。(Tā chuān zhe hóngsè de yīfu.) — He is wearing red clothes.

Continuous Action with Simultaneous Actions

Sometimes, "着" is used to describe two actions happening simultaneously, where one action is continuous and the other is the main action.

Structure:

- Verb + 着 + Verb

Examples:

1. 他笑着说。(Tā xiào zhe shuō.) — He said while smiling.

2. 她哭着跑回家。(Tā kū zhe pǎo huíjiā.) — She ran home crying.

3. 老师看着学生写字。(Lǎoshī kàn zhe xuéshēng xiězì.) — The teacher is watching the students write.

Fixed Expressions

In some cases, "着" is part of a fixed expression where its use is idiomatic.

Examples:

1. 马上就好着呢。(Mǎshàng jiù hǎo zhe ne.) — It will be fine soon.

2. 别急着走。(Bié jí zhe zǒu.) — Don't be in a hurry to leave.

Summary

- Continuous Action: Indicates an ongoing action.

- 他看着电视。(Tā kàn zhe diànshì.) — He is watching TV.

- Ongoing State: Indicates an ongoing state or condition.

- 门开着。(Mén kāi zhe.) — The door is open.

- Simultaneous Actions: Describes two actions happening at the same time.

- 他笑着说话。(Tā xiào zhe shuōhuà.) — He is speaking while smiling.

Would you like more examples or further clarification on any of these uses?