HSK 1
在 V (呢)
zài V ( ne)
V-ing
Structure
Subject + 在 + Verb + (Object) + (呢)
How it works
The particle '在' (zài) is used before a verb to indicate that an action is currently in progress, similar to the '-ing' form in English. The optional particle '呢' (ne) can be added at the end of the sentence to emphasize the ongoing state or to make the tone of the sentence softer.
Examples
他在吃饭呢。
Tā zài chīfàn ne.
He is eating.
我在看书。
Wǒ zài kànshū.
I am reading a book.
我妈妈在做饭呢。
Wǒ māma zài zuòfàn ne.
My mother is cooking.
Common mistakes
Do not use '在' for habitual actions; use it only for actions happening right now at the moment of speaking.
Tip
If you want to say someone is NOT doing something, use '没' (méi) or '没有' (méiyǒu) instead of '不' (bù).
More HSK 1 grammar
See 在 V (呢) in real Chinese
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