-고 있다 Am/is/are doing (progressive)
Core meaning - Am/is/are doing (progressive)
Form - V + 고 있다; V + 고 있어; V + 고 있어요
Usage - Focus on the highlighted segment in each example; surrounding words can change while the pattern function stays the same.
Use this pattern for its grammatical function, not as a literal word-by-word translation.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
-고 있다 vs -아/어 있다
- 고 있다 = action in progress (eating)
- 아/어 있다 = state resulting from action (seated)
Past progressive: -고 있었다
- 먹고 있었어요 (was eating)
Some verbs use -아/어 있다 instead
- 앉아 있다 (is sitting), 서 있다 (is standing)
Practice -고 있다 and other grammar patterns with manga, dramas, and more.
Start learning free