Definitions
(particle)
aspect particle indicating action in progress
(verb)
to wear; to use; to apply
(verb)
to touch; to come in contact with; to catch fire; to succeed in
About
The character "着" developed as a variant of the traditional character "著", whose structure combines the grass radical 艹 with the component 者, suggesting initial associations with making something visible or attaching. Historically, "著" carried meanings such as to show or to wear, and it later grammaticalized to mark continuous action in verbal constructions. The form "着" arose from a graphical alteration, replacing the top radical with 羊 and incorporating 目 below, and this variant progressively assumed the aspectual and stative functions in the language, while also preserving some original senses of attachment in compound words.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我正拿着书。
他笑着对我说。
妈妈忙着准备晚餐。
我们沿着河边散步。
他躺着看书，不小心睡着了。
她着急地等着公交车的到来。
尽管下着雨，他还是出去了。
他持续不断地工作着，似乎不知疲倦。