着 zhe
“aspect particle indicating action in progress or ongoing state”
particle, verb, noun, measure wordHSK 2 · 2021 list level 1Traditional 著
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
着 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entries. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 490: 着 zhe — Level 2; official annotation 2 (助). PDF page 92
- Entry 1924: 着 zháo — Level 4; official annotation 4 (动). PDF page 128
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 着
着 is a neutral-tone aspect particle that follows a verb or adjective to show an action in progress or a continuing state. A common pattern is verb/adjective + 着, often with an object or a second verb phrase. At HSK 2, learners mainly use it in everyday descriptions such as 坐着, 开着, and 笑着说.
例句Example sentences
- 他坐着看书。tā zuò zhe kàn shū.He is sitting and reading.
- 门开着。mén kāi zhe.The door is open.
- 她笑着说“你好”。tā xiào zhe shuō" nǐ hǎo".She says hello smiling.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我着看书。
✓我看着书。
着 must follow the verb; it cannot come before it.
-
✗他吃饭着。
✓他吃着饭。
着 attaches directly to the verb, before the object.
深度指南Grammar & comparison guides
义项All meanings
- zhāo: (chess) move; trick; all right!; (dialect) to add
- zháo: to touch; to come in contact with; to feel; to be affected by; to catch fire; to burn
- zhe: aspect particle indicating action in progress or ongoing state
- zhuó: to wear (clothes); to contact; to use; to apply