HSK 3
PLACE + 没 + V + 着 + N
PLACE + méi + V + zhe + N
There is not N V'ed in PLACE.
Structure
Location + 没(有) + Verb + 着 + Object
How it works
This structure is used to describe the state of a specific location, specifically stating that a certain object is not present in a certain position or posture. While '有' describes simple existence, 'V + 着' emphasizes the continued state of how something was placed or arranged.
Examples
墙上没挂着画。
Qiángshàng méi guàzhe huà.
There are no pictures hanging on the wall.
门口没停着自行车。
Ménkǒu méi tíngzhe zìxíngchē.
There are no bicycles parked at the entrance.
床上没躺着人。
Chuángshàng méi tǎngzhe rén.
There is no one lying on the bed.
Common mistakes
Do not use '不' with '着' to negate a state; always use '没' or '没有'. For example, say '没放着' instead of '不放着'.
Tip
Think of this pattern as 'Location + is not + [Verb]-ed + with [Object]'. It is most commonly used with verbs of posture or placement like 挂 (hang), 放 (put), 坐 (sit), or 写 (write).
More HSK 3 grammar
See PLACE + 没 + V + 着 + N in real Chinese
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