〜ている
~te iru
The Japanese suffix used to express 'ing' is 〜ている (~te iru).
This suffix is added to a verb to indicate that an action is currently happening, expressing the present progressive tense.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual speech, the 'i' in 〜ている is often omitted to create the form 〜てる. Additionally, in casual conversation, the 'te-form' of a verb can sometimes be used alone to indicate the present progressive tense.
How do you pronounce it?
~te iru
Did you know?
- Because 〜ている blends the 'te-form' and the verb 'iru' meaning 'to exist', the 'ing' form in Japanese literally describes the action as 'existing' in a certain state.
- Japanese distinguishes between an action in progress and a state resulting from an action, whereas English often uses 'ing' for both. This is why 死んでいる means 'is dead' rather than 'is dying'.
- If you say 持っている (motte-iru), you aren't just 'holding' something in your hands, but rather that you 'possess' it as an owner.
Examples in context
- 読んでいますI am reading.
- 寝ていませんI am not sleeping.
- 音楽を聴きながら勉強していますI am studying while listening to music.
- 料理しながら話してくださいPlease talk while cooking.
- 読んでるI'm reading.
- 食べてないI haven't eaten.
- 映画を見ながら寝てるI'm sleeping while watching a movie.
- 歌を歌いつつ踊っているI'm singing and dancing at the same time.
