JLPT N3

〜te iru

Expresses a continuing action or a resulting state; 'is ~ing', 'has been', 'has'.

Formation

Explanation

The ~ている grammar point is used to describe a continuing or repeated action, or the result/state of a completed action. Depending on the context, it can be translated as 'is ~ing', 'has been ~ed', or simply 'has/are/is'. In passive contexts (e.g., 食べられている, 開けられている), it shows that something has been done and remains in that state. With intransitive or non-passive verbs, it shows an ongoing or resultant state (e.g., 寝込んでいる, 終わっている).

Example sentences

  • The window is open (someone opened it and it remains open).

    Mado ga akerarete iru.

  • The whole cake has been eaten.

    Keeki ga zenbu taberarete iru.

  • She is bedridden due to illness.

    Kanojo wa byouki de nekonde iru.

  • The homework is finished (has been done).

    Shukudai ga owatte iru.