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.