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正在

zhèng zài
HSK 2.0 Level 2 HSK 3.0 Level 1 Adverb Very common

Definitions

  1. 1. just at (that time)
  2. 2. right in (that place)
  3. 3. right in the middle of (doing sth)

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Word relationships

Related words

2 items
当时
dāng shí

then

Referring to a specific time in the past; '正在' can describe an action happening at that moment.
此刻
cǐ kè

this moment

Meaning 'at this moment'; '正在' is commonly used to describe ongoing actions at the present moment.

Synonyms

2 items
在
zài

to exist; to be alive

Indicating an ongoing action; '正在' is more emphatic and often used in formal or narrative contexts, while '在' is more colloquial.
正
zhèng

straight

Used alone before verbs to emphasize an action happening right now; '正在' combines '正' and '在' for stronger emphasis.

Usage notes

Collocations

Commonly pairs with 呢 at the end of a sentence to reinforce the progressive aspect, e.g., 他正在吃饭呢.

Formality

Often used in written or formal spoken Chinese to emphasize ongoing actions, more so than 在 alone.

Grammar

Guides that feature 正在

Jump into a full guide with fill-in-the-blank drills. Clicking will load the page and move you to the top.

2 guides
HSK 2.0 Level 1+ HSK 3.0 Level 1+ 5 min
在...呢 and ...呢 for Actions in Progress

Say what is happening right now with 在 or 正在 before the verb, add 呢 at the end for a friendly spoken tone, or use 呢 alone.

Reading: zhèng zài Open guide
HSK 2.0 Level 2+ HSK 3.0 Level 1+ 6 min
正在, 在, and 着

Separate “doing right now” from “remaining in a state.”

Reading: zhèng zài Open guide

Example Sentences

5 shown
爷爷 正在 和邻居下象棋。
Grandpa is playing Chinese chess with the neighbor.
警方 正在 调查他的下落。
The police are investigating his whereabouts.
他们 正在 申办下一届世界杯。
They are bidding to host the next World Cup.
中国 正在 发展航天技术。
China is developing space flight technology.
双方 正在 洽谈合作事宜。
Both sides are discussing cooperation matters.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 正在

在
zài

to exist; to be alive

正
zhēng

first month of the lunar year

正
zhèng

straight