N 중, V-는 중

In the process/middle

Explanation

This expression is used with a noun that indicates the content of an action and means that the subject is in the process of performing the action.

It corresponds to 'in the process/middle of' or 'currently doing' in English.

After a noun, 중 is added, and after a verb, -는 중 is added to the verb stem.

Details

-는 중이다 and -고 있다 are used in similar ways. However, while -고 있다 has no restrictions regarding what subjects it can be used with, -는 중이다 cannot be used with subjects representing natural phenomena.

비가 오는 중이에요. ✕
→비가 오고 있어요. ✓
It's raining.
눈이 오는 중이에요. ✕
→눈이 오고 있어요. ✓
It's snowing.
바람이 부는 중이에요. ✕
→바람이 불고 있어요. ✓
The wind is blowing.

Kimchi Reader

Indicate that the subject is in the process of performing an action

Details

Usage with verbs

Can also be used with verbs in the form of 는 중

친구를 기다리는 중에 전화가 왔어요.
I got a phone call while I was waiting for a friend.
나 지금 밥 먹는 중이니까 나중에 전화할게요.
I am currently eating now, so I will call you later.

Usage

중 and 고 있다 have similar usage. However, while 고 있다 can be used with any subjects, 중 cannot be used with subjects representing natural phenomena (rain, snow, wind, fire…).

✕ 비가 오는 중이에요. ✓ 비가 오고 있어요.