Serial Verb Sentences (2): 着

In Chinese, “着” (zhe) comes after the first verb in a serial-verb sentence.

It shows the state in which, or the manner in which, the second action is carried out.

Basic Structure

Verb₁ + 着 + (Object₁) + Verb₂ + (Object₂)

That is: while the first action or state is going on, the second action takes place.

咱们可以走着去

Structure

走着 + 去 walking + go 走 — to walk 着 — marks that this state is ongoing 去 — to go

Here 走着 shows the manner in which the second action, 去, is carried out.

弟弟吃着苹果写作业

Structure

吃着苹果 + 写作业 eating an apple + do homework 吃 — to eat 着 — marks that the action is ongoing 苹果 — apple 写作业 — to do homework

In this sentence the brother is doing his homework in the state of eating an apple.

他们坐着看电视

Structure

坐着 + 看电视 sitting + watch TV 坐 — to sit 着 — marks that the state is ongoing 看电视 — to watch TV

Here 坐着 shows the position in which the action of watching TV is carried out.

Verb₁ + 着 + (Object₁) + Verb₂ + (Object₂)

Meaning: while the first action or state continues, the second action is carried out.

Examples:

走着去

吃着苹果写作业

坐着看电视