V-고 있다 ①

-ing

Explanation

This pattern expresses the progression or continuation of an action and is the equivalent of '-ing' in English. It is formed by adding 고 있다 to the stems of verbs. To express the continuation of an action that occurred sometime in the past, -고 있었다 is used.

Details

To express that an action simply occurred in the past, the simple past form -았/었어요 is used.

A: 어제 뭐했어요?
What did you do yesterday?
B: 집에서 쉬고 있었어요.

Kimchi Reader

Expresses that an action is ongoing. This pattern is sometime mentioned as progressive tense.

Details

Honorific language

There is an honorific form of 고 있다 which is 고 계시다

할아버지께서는 거실에서 신문을 읽고 계셨어요.
Grandpa was reading a newspaper in the living room.

Examples
지금 이메일를 쓰<span class='focus'>고 있어요</span>.
I am writing an email now.
저는 주말마다 운동하<span class='focus'>고 있어요</span>.
I am exercising every weekend.
댄 씨가 지금 음악을 듣<span class='focus'>고 있어요.</span>
Dane is listening to music now.

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