In Mandarin, there’s a special word called 着 (zhe). This word shows that actions are happening right now. It helps us understand that something is still going on.

How Sentences Work

In Mandarin, sentences usually follow a pattern: Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). When we use 着, it goes right after the verb.

• Example:
  • 我在看书。 (Wǒ zài kàn shū.) - I am reading a book.
  • 我看着书。(Wǒ kàn zhe shū.) - I am reading the book (this shows that I’m still reading it).

Special Words for Counting (Measure Words)

In Mandarin, we use special counting words called measure words when talking about things. These words need to be in the right place.

• Example:
  • 两本书 (liǎng běn shū) - two books
  • 她在看着两本书。(Tā zài kàn zhe liǎng běn shū.) - She is reading two books.

Asking Questions

If you want to ask a question using 着, just add 吗 (ma) at the end:

• Example:
  • 他在吃饭吗？(Tā zài chī fàn ma?) - Is he eating?

Saying "No"

To say "no" when using 着, use 不 (bù):

• Example:
  • 我不看着书。(Wǒ bù kàn zhe shū.) - I am not reading the book.

When you know these rules, you can use Mandarin to talk about actions that are happening right now!