-아/어 있다
Used to express that an action has been completed, but the resulting state is continuing. It translates to 'is [verb]-ed' or 'is [verb]-ing' (as a state).
Summary
Equivalent
Is (in the state of...)
Also: -고 있다 (For progressive action, but -아/어 있다 is for the completed state)
Example
The students are sitting on the chairs. (State of sitting)
학생들이 의자에 앉아 있습니다.
Grammar rules
- Use '-아/어 있다' ONLY with intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take an object) or passive verbs.
- Common verbs: 서다 (stand), 앉다 (sit), 눕다 (lie down), 열리다 (be opened), 닫히다 (be closed), 켜지다 (be turned on).
- Do not use with transitive verbs (verbs requiring 을/를). Also, distinguish it from '-고 있다': '문을 열고 있다' (Someone is actively opening the door right now) vs '문이 열려 있다' (The door is in the state of being open).
문이 열려 있어요. (The door is open.)
Patterns
Passive/Intransitive Verbs ('ㅏ', 'ㅗ')
Present State · Stem + 아 있다
Passive/Intransitive Verbs (Other vowels)
Present State · Stem + 어 있다
Example sentences
The students are sitting on the chairs. (State of sitting)
학생들이 의자에 앉아 있습니다.
A clock is hanging on the wall.
벽에 시계가 걸려 있어요.
The computer is turned on.
컴퓨터가 켜져 있어요.
Conversation
A: Who is in the classroom?
교실에 누가 있어요?
B: Nobody is there. Even the lights are turned off.
아무도 없어요. 불도 꺼져 있어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct form indicating a continuing state.
Standing.
Closed.