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ている (Continuous/State)

[て-form]いる/います

Explanation

Indicates ongoing action or resulting state.

Formation

て-form + いる/います

Examples

本を読んでいます。
Hon o yonde imasu.
I am reading a book.
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結婚しています。
Kekkon shite imasu.
I am married.
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知っています。
Shitte imasu.
I know.
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Usage Notes

  • Progressive actions: eating, reading, watching
  • Resulting states: married, know, wearing
  • Some verbs always need ている for states
  • Contracts to てる in casual speech

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 知る → 知っている (not 知る for "I know")
  • Wearing clothes requires ている
  • Living somewhere uses ている
  • Some actions = progressive, others = state

Related Grammar from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"

ます-form (Polite Present/Future)

[Verb Stem]ます

Polite form for present habitual actions or future intentions.

ました (Polite Past)

[Verb Stem]ました

Polite past tense form indicating completed actions.

ません (Polite Negative)

[Verb Stem]ません

Polite negative form for present/future.

More from "Verb Forms and Conjugations"