Progressive Tense V-고 있다
Used to describe an action that is currently in progress or continuing right now.
Summary
Equivalent
Progressive Tense (Am/Is/Are ...ing)
Also: -는 중이다
Example
I am listening to my favorite music in the living room right now.
지금 거실에서 좋아하는 음악을 듣고 있어요.
Grammar rules
- Attach '-고 있다' directly to the verb stem, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or consonant.
- It can be conjugated into past tense (-고 있었어요) to say 'was ...ing'.
- For respectful language about an older person or superior, use the honorific form '-고 계시다'.
할아버지께서 주무시고 계세요. (Grandfather is sleeping.)
Patterns
V (Verbs)
현재 (Present) · -고 있다
V (Verbs)
과거 (Past) · -고 있었다
Example sentences
I am listening to my favorite music in the living room right now.
지금 거실에서 좋아하는 음악을 듣고 있어요.
It is still raining, so I can't go outside.
비가 계속 내리고 있어서 밖으로 나갈 수가 없네요.
When my friend called, I was taking a shower.
친구가 전화했을 때 저는 샤워를 하고 있었어요.
Conversation
A: Hello, what are you doing right now?
여보세요, 지금 뭐 하고 있어요?
B: I'm resting at home and watching television.
집에서 쉬면서 텔레비전을 보고 있어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct progressive tense.
Waiting.
Looking for.