HSK 2.0 Level 2+
HSK 3.0 Level 2+
6 min read
4 focus words
着 for Continuing State
Describe doors open, lights on, clothes worn, and people sitting or standing.
Pattern
Verb + 着 + state/context
Use 着 when a state remains in place.
门开着。
When to use 着 for Continuing State
着 often follows verbs that create a visible state. The action happened or is maintained, and the resulting state continues.
他坐着看书。
He sits while reading.
她穿着红衣服。
She is wearing red clothes.
灯开着。
The light is on.
墙上挂着一张照片。
A photo is hanging on the wall.
Common traps
- 着 is not the same as 正在.
- Do not use 着 for a one-time completed result without a continuing state.
- Some verbs pair with 着 much more naturally than others.
Support vocabulary
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
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