Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Core pattern
With action verbs, 〜ている often means that someone is in the middle of doing something. It often matches English 'is doing.'
Target signal
いま、本を読んでいます。
I am reading a book now.
〜ている shows an action happening now.
Vocabulary notes
- 読んでいます
- am reading
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- 読んで
- reading and
Compare in context
母は料理をしています。
My mother is cooking.
しています is the ongoing form of する.
Vocabulary notes
- しています
- am doing
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
Section 2 of 3
Questions and answers
This pattern is common when asking what someone is doing now. Time words such as いま often make the meaning especially clear.
Target signal
いま、何をしていますか。
What are you doing now?
何をしていますか asks about the activity in progress.
Vocabulary notes
- 何をしていますか
- what are you doing?
- しています
- am doing
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
子どもたちが公園で遊んでいます。
The children are playing in the park.
遊んでいます describes what the children are doing right now.
Vocabulary notes
- 遊んでいます
- are playing
- 子どもたち
- children
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Section 3 of 3
Reading tip
When you see 〜ている, first ask whether the verb is an action verb such as 読む, 食べる, or 話す. If it is, the sentence often describes an action in progress.
Target signal
先生は話しています。
The teacher is speaking.
The verb choice tells you this is an action in progress, not a state.
Vocabulary notes
- 話しています
- is speaking
- しています
- am doing
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
友だちは音楽を聞いています。
My friend is listening to music.
聞いています shows the current ongoing activity of listening.
Vocabulary notes
- 聞いています
- am listening
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- 友だち
- friend