In Chinese, there is no specific form of gerund as in some Western languages. However, ongoing or continuous actions can be expressed through particular structures. Here we explain the most common ways to indicate that an action is in progress:
1. Use of the Particle 正在 [zhèngzài]: 正在 + Main Verb
The particle 正在 [zhèngzài] is used to indicate that an action is in full development. It is placed before the main verb.
| Examples | ||
|---|---|---|
| hanzi | pinyin | meaning |
| 我正在学习中文 | wǒ zhèngzài xuéxí zhōngwén | I am studying Chinese |
| 我正在吃晚饭 | wǒ zhèngzài chī wǎnfàn | I am having dinner |
2. Use of the Particle 在 [zài]: 在 + Verb
The particle 在 [zài] is also used to denote that an action is happening at the present moment. It is placed before the verb.
| Examples | ||
|---|---|---|
| hanzi | pinyin | meaning |
| 他在看书 | tā zài kànshū | He is reading a book |
| 他在喝水 | tā zài hēshuǐ | He is drinking water |
3. Comparison between 正在 [zhèngzài] and 在 [zài]
Both particles, 正在 [zhèngzài] and 在 [zài], are used to express ongoing actions, but with different nuances. 正在 [zhèngzài] is used to emphasize that the action is happening intensively at the present moment, suggesting that the speaker is actively involved in the action at that specific moment. 在 [zài] indicates that the action is in progress, but without the same degree of intensity or temporal specificity. It can suggest that the action is generally ongoing, without necessarily highlighting the exact moment.
| Examples | ||
|---|---|---|
| hanzi | pinyin | meaning |
| 我正在写一本书 | wǒ zhèngzài xiě yī běn shū | I am writing a book (This suggests that the action of writing is happening actively at this moment) |
| 我在写一本书 | wǒ zài xiě yī běn shū | I am writing a book (This indicates that I am in the process of writing the book, but not necessarily that I am doing this at the precise moment) |
4. Simultaneous Actions
To express that two actions occur simultaneously, you can use the structure 一边 [yībiān]. This form will be addressed in higher HSK levels.
