HSK 2
V 着 O
V zhe O
V-ing O
Structure
Subject + Verb + 着 + Object
How it works
The particle '着' (zhe) is placed immediately after a verb to indicate a continuous state or the continuation of an action. In this structure, it often describes the state of a person or an object, such as what someone is wearing or the position they are in.
Examples
他拿着一本书。
Tā názhe yì běn shū.
He is holding a book.
老师站着说话。
Lǎoshī zhànzhe shuōhuà.
The teacher is standing while speaking.
门开着呢。
Mén kāizhe ne.
The door is open.
Common mistakes
Confusing '着' (zhe) with '在' (zài); '在' emphasizes an action in progress (doing), while '着' emphasizes the state resulting from an action (being in a state).
Tip
Think of '着' as 'static' continuity. It is most commonly used with verbs of posture (sit, stand, lie) or verbs like wear, carry, and hold.
More HSK 2 grammar
See V 着 O in real Chinese
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