Hello everyone! Do you think "～ています (Te-imasu)" is just the same as the English "-ing"?
Basically, that's correct, but there's more to it. When you encounter phrases like "結婚しています (married)" or "知っています (know)", you might get confused: "Are you doing a wedding ceremony right now?" or "Are you in the middle of knowing?"
In this article, we'll explain the 3 faces of "～ています" using simple images.
1. Two Images: Video and Photo
The key to understanding "～ています" is to distinguish between two images depending on the verb.
Moving right now.
eating, running, studying
(Action is
continuing)
State continues after a change.
marry, live, have/own
(State
continues after change)
2. Pattern ①: Action Now (Progressive)
This is the easiest one. It's the same as the English Present Continuous.
Used when an
action is happening right in front of you.
今、ご飯を食べています。
いま、ごはんを たべて います
I am eating a meal now.
雨が降っています。
あめが ふって います
It is raining.
日本語を勉強しています。
にほんごを べんきょう して います
I am studying Japanese.
3. Pattern ②: Result of Change (State) ★Important
This is the most difficult point.
Verbs like "marry" (kekkon suru) or "live" (sumu)
represent instant actions or changes. "~te imasu" here means the state continues
after that change occurred.
To be married (結婚しています)
"Kekkon suru" is the action (Wedding), but "Kekkon shiteimasu" is the status (Married).
私は結婚しています。
わたしは けっこん して います
I am married. (Not "I am doing a wedding now")
To live / reside (住んでいます)
私は東京に住んでいます。
わたしは とうきょうに すんで います
I live in Tokyo.
To have / own (持っています)
"Mochimasu" (to hold) can mean "to lift", but "Motte imasu" usually means "to own/possess".
私は車を持っています。
わたしは くるまを もって います
I have a car.
ペンを持っていますか。
ぺんを もって います か
Do you have a pen?
4. Pattern ③: Habit / Occupation
Used for repeated habits or occupations, even if you are not doing it "at this exact moment".
Googleで働いています。
ぐーぐるで はたらいて います
I work for Google. (Occupation)
毎週日曜日、テニスをしています。
まいしゅう にちようび、てにすを して います
I play tennis every Sunday. (Habit)
5. 【Important】The Trap of "Knowing" (知っています)
"Shiru" (to get to know) is also a state verb, but its negative form is special. This is a common test trap!
⚠️ Careful with the Negative Form!
Positive: 知っています (I know)
Negative: × 知っていません
Negative: ◎ 知りません (I don't know)
For the negative of "to know", we do NOT use "te-form". We use "Shirimasen".
A: 田中さんの電話番号を知っていますか。
たなかさんの でんわばんごうを しって います か
A: Do you know Tanaka-san's number?
B: いいえ、知りません。
いいえ、しりません
B: No, I don't know.
6. Summary: Check the Verb Type
The key to mastering "～ています" is thinking: is it "Action" (movement) or "Change" (condition)?
- Moving now (eating, reading) → Action (Ing)
- Life state (married, living) → State (Status)
- Possession (having) → Possession (Have)
- Job or Habit (working, commuting) → Habit
It might feel tricky at first, but try practicing with your own profile: "I am married", "I have a ...". You'll get it quickly!
⚡ Practice Quiz
Check your understanding!