正在(zhèngzài)
Currently Doing (Progressive)
Structure Pattern
Explanation
正在 (zhèngzài) or just 在 (zài) before a verb indicates an action is in progress, like English "-ing." Adding 呢 at the end reinforces the ongoing nature. You can use 正在, 在, or 正 alone — they all work.
Example Sentences
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Wǒ zhèngzài chīfàn.
I am eating (right now).
Tā zài kàn shū ne.
He is reading.
Māma zhèngzài zuòfàn.
Mom is cooking.
Nǐ zài gàn shénme ne?
What are you doing?
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
我正在知道答案。
Correct Usage
我知道答案。
"知道" (to know) is a stative verb, describing a state rather than an ongoing action. In Chinese, stative verbs like "知道," "有" (to have), or "是" (to be) generally do not use the progressive markers 正在/在/正.
Related Grammar Points
At / In (Location)
zài
在 (zài) indicates location and can function as both a verb ("to be at") and a preposition ("at/in"). As a verb, it tells you where something or someone IS. As a preposition before another verb, it tells you WHERE an action takes place.
Continuous State (Attached To)
zhe
着 (zhe) after a verb indicates a continuing state resulting from an action. Unlike 在 (progressive action happening now), 着 describes the maintained state AFTER an action. "The door is open" (ongoing state) vs. "I am opening the door" (action in progress).
Master 正在
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