The aspect particle “着” (1)

In Chinese “着” (zhe) follows the verb and shows that an action or state is continuing.

In the negative, 没（有）goes before the verb.

Basic structure

Verb + 着

Meaning: to be in the state of … to be … -ing the action or state is going on

没（有）+ verb + 着

Meaning: is not in that state is not … -ing

那你在这儿坐着

那nàthen

你nǐyou

在这儿zài zhèrhere

坐着zuòzhestay seated

Here 着 shows that the sitting continues.

教室的门开着

教室的门jiàoshì de ménthe classroom door

开着kāizhestands open

Here 着 shows the door is in an open state.

教室的门没开着

教室的门jiàoshì de ménthe classroom door

没méinot

开着kāizhestand open

Here 没 with 着 denies that state.

Affirmative: verb + 着

坐着 — be sitting 开着 — stand open

Negative: 没（有）+ verb + 着

没开着 — is not open