JLPT N5 grammar

〜ているmeaning and usage

Meaning

～ている can describe an action in progress, a state that remains after an action, or a habitual action.

How to form it

  • verb (te-form)いる

How it is used

With action verbs it means “-ing” (「食べている」); with verbs like 「結婚する」, 「住む」 or 「知る」 it describes the resulting state (「結婚している」, married). It also shows habits or jobs. Speech often shortens it to 「〜てる」.

Examples

  1. 彼女は子供が生まれて喜んでいます。

    She is delighted that her child has been born.

  2. 今、電話で話しています。

    I'm on the phone right now.

  3. 父は銀行で働いています。

    My father works at a bank.

About the example In 喜んでいます, ている presents her delight after the child's birth as a current, continuing state.