01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
她在写明信片。
She is writing a postcard.
在 comes before 写; the postcard follows as its object.
他们正在修自行车。
They are repairing a bicycle right now.
正在 emphasizes that the repair is currently underway.
别关灯，我还在看书。
Do not turn off the light; I am still reading.
还在 means that the activity is continuing.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
Put 在 before an action verb to show that the action is underway at the moment you are talking about. 她在写明信片 means she is in the middle of writing a postcard. Chinese does not change the verb itself to match English “-ing.” A word such as 现在 can make the present reference explicit, but context often supplies it.
在 is also a word for location. Look at what follows it: 在厨房 identifies a place, while 在做饭 marks an activity in progress. A sentence can contain both ideas, as in 她在厨房做饭. 正在 emphasizes that the activity is happening at that very moment. Sentence-final 呢 can also help present an ongoing scene, but it is optional in the basic pattern.
To deny that an action is in progress, use 没 or 没有 before the verb: 他没睡觉, “He is not sleeping.” You will also encounter 没在 followed by the activity. Do not automatically use 在 with every English verb that ends in “-ing.” Verbs expressing knowledge, possession, or a stable preference normally need a different structure. Use 在 for the activity in progress.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid她现在在写了明信片。
Use她现在在写明信片。
在 presents the writing as in progress. In this simple statement, do not attach completed-event 了 to 写. Sentence-final 了 has other uses; it is not a general “-ing” ending.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 明信片 | míngxìnpiàn | postcard |
| 修 | xiū | to repair |
| 关灯 | guān dēng | to turn off the light |
Longer phrases are practised through their component words.
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
