zhèng正zài在(Mandarin)(Cantonese)
zhèng正
zài在
(Mandarin)
(Cantonese)
HSK 1
Dictionary
to be in the process of (doing sth); to be currently ...-ing
Examples
我正在写作业,等一下再跟你玩。
Wǒ zhèngzài xiě zuòyè, děng yīxià zài gēn nǐ wán.
→ I'm doing my homework right now; I'll play with you later.
她正在吃饭,不要打扰她。
Tā zhèngzài chīfàn, bùyào dǎrǎo tā.
→ She is eating dinner, so don't disturb her.
Did You Know?
Grammar
Word Formation
正 means 'just/exactly' and 在 means 'at/in the process of'.
Usage Tips
正在 is used before a verb to indicate an ongoing action: 我正在吃饭 (I am eating right now). It's more emphatic than just 在.