The progressive aspect in Mandarin uses the word 在 (zài). Here’s how you can use it:

1. Basic Structure:

   • You can say: Subject + 在 + Verb + Object.
   • For example: 我在吃饭 (Wǒ zài chīfàn) means "I am eating."

2. What It Means:

   • When you hear 在 in spoken Chinese, it tells you that something is happening right now.
   • For example: 她在学习 (Tā zài xuéxí) means "She is studying (right now)."

3. Comparison:

   • You can use 在 to compare what has already happened with what is going on now.
   • For instance: 我吃了 (Wǒ chīle) means "I ate."
   • But, 我在吃 (Wǒ zài chī) means "I am eating."

Try to practice by making sentences with 在 to describe actions that are happening. Remember, this word helps to show what is going on in the moment!