Languages 1001

Let’s talk about what you’re doing *right now*—yes, even reading this sentence! In Chinese, we use the progressive aspect (进行态) to show that an action is happening at this very moment. It’s like the English “-ing” form (“I am reading”, “She is eating”), but the way to make it in Chinese may surprise you.

How to sound *busy* in Chinese: Three Common Ways!
Need to tell your friend you’re “doing something”? These little words will help:

• 在 + Verb: The simplest way, just like saying “I’m walking.”
  Example: 孩子在睡觉。 (The kid is sleeping. Don’t wake them—seriously!)
• 正在/正 + Verb: Add 正 or 正在 to sound more in-the-moment or formal.
  Example: 外边正在下雨。 (It’s raining outside. Maybe grab your umbrella?)
  正在考试呢。 ([They] are currently taking a test. Don’t distract them!)
• Verb + 呢: Attach 呢 to the verb for a casual, chatty feeling. Good for answering “What are you doing?”
  Example: 我洗衣服呢。 (I’m washing clothes.)

Mix and match! You can use the first two together and add 呢 at the end for extra emphasis. Example: 他在打电话呢。 (He’s on the phone right now.)

Not doing something? No problem!
If you want to say what you’re not doing, just say:
我没看电视，看书呢。 (I’m not watching TV, I’m reading. [Right now!])

Your Progress (ive) Cheat Sheet:

• 在/正/正在 + verb [+(呢)] = “am/is/are doing” (right now style)
• Add 呢 at the end for a casual or chitchat feel.

1. 爸爸 看书，别打扰他。
(Dad is reading. Don't disturb him.)

2. 妈妈 做饭呢。
(Mom is cooking [right now!].)

3. 你 做什么？
(What are you doing?)

4. 同学们 上课。
(The classmates are [currently] in class.)

5. Lili 说：“我没玩手机，我写作业。”
(Lili says: "I'm not playing on my phone, I'm doing homework [right now!]")

6. Haoran 听音乐。
(Haoran is listening to music.)

7. 你等一下儿，Zhiqiang 打电话。
(Wait a moment, Zhiqiang is on the phone.)

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Pro tip: If you get it wrong, just say you were “在想呢” (thinking)!