正在

zhèng zài

HSK 2.0 Level 2 HSK 3.0 Level 1 Adverb Very common

Definitions

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

Word relationships

Related words

2 items

• 当时 dāng shí 当时 dāng shí then Referring to a specific time in the past; '正在' can describe an action happening at that moment.: then
• 此刻 cǐ kè 此刻 cǐ kè this moment Meaning 'at this moment'; '正在' is commonly used to describe ongoing actions at the present moment.: this moment

Synonyms

2 items

• 在 zài 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.: to exist; to be alive
• 正 zhèng 正 zhèng straight Used alone before verbs to emphasize an action happening right now; '正在' combines '正' and '在' for stronger emphasis.: straight

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.

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 在 zài: to exist; to be alive
• 正 正 zhēng: first month of the lunar year
• 正 正 zhèng: straight