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
State, not action
Some verbs use 〜ている to show a continuing state or result, not something happening right now. In these cases, English often uses 'live,' 'know,' or 'wear' rather than 'is doing.'
Target signal
田中さんは東京に住んでいます。
Tanaka lives in Tokyo.
住んでいます describes a continuing state rather than movement happening now.
Vocabulary notes
- 住んでいます
- live; am living
- 田中さん
- Tanaka
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Compare in context
父はめがねをかけています。
My father is wearing glasses.
かけています means wearing something as a resulting state.
Vocabulary notes
- かけています
- am wearing
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- めがね
- glasses
Section 2 of 3
Common N5 patterns
A few very common verbs behave this way from the beginning level. It is important to memorize them as natural chunks.
Target signal
姉は結婚しています。
My older sister is married.
結婚しています usually means 'is married,' not 'is getting married now.'
Vocabulary notes
- 結婚しています
- is married
- しています
- am doing
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
わたしは車を持っています。
I have a car.
持っています describes an ongoing state of possession.
Vocabulary notes
- 持っています
- have; own
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- わたし
- I; me
Section 3 of 3
Reading tip
When you read 〜ている, ask whether the verb naturally describes a momentary action or a lasting state. That question often tells you how to translate it.
Target signal
先生を知っています。
I know the teacher.
知っています means 'know' as a state of having knowledge.
Vocabulary notes
- 知っています
- know
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now
Preview
大阪に住んでいます。
I live in Osaka.
Another state use of 住んでいます with a place expression.
Vocabulary notes
- 住んでいます
- live; am living
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- いま
- now