GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ている
With a verb of change, indicates that the state resulting from a completed change continues.
Examples
窓が開いているので、部屋が寒い。
The window is open, so the room is cold.
Words used
電気が消えているので、誰もいないようだ。
The lights are off, so it seems no one is there.
Words used
店の前に長い列ができている。
A long line has formed in front of the store.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
いるto theてform of a change-of-state verb to describe the resulting state that remains. - Basic usage: In
窓が開いているので、部屋が寒い。, the window remains open.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Progress and resulting state
窓を開けているcan describe someone in the act of opening the window, while窓が開いているdescribes the window's open state. Distinguish the verb type and its particles together.
- Changing the reference time
電気が消えていたdescribes the lights being off at a past time. Whereas消えたpresents the change of going out,消えていたpresents its resulting state at a past reference point.