Processing keyword: Verb て います (Verb te imasu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb て います (Verb te imasu)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, the expression "Verb て います" (Verb te imasu) is a fundamental grammar pattern used to indicate ongoing actions, habitual behaviors, or resultant states. Mastering this construction is essential for communicating about actions that are in progress or regularly occur, similar to the present continuous tense in English.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The "Verb て います" form is used to express:

1. An ongoing action or event (similar to "-ing" in English).
2. A habitual action or something that occurs regularly.
3. A state resulting from a past action.

Structure

To form "Verb て います":

1. Conjugate the verb to its て-form.
2. Add います after the て-form.

Formation Diagram

A[Dictionary Form of Verb] --> B{Convert to て-form}
B --> C[て-form of Verb]
C --> D[Add います]
D --> E[Verb て います Form]

How to Form the て-form

The て-form varies depending on the verb group:

Group 1 Verbs (Godan verbs)

Verb Ending	Change to て-form	Example
う, つ, る	～って	買う → 買って
む, ぶ, ぬ	～んで	読む → 読んで
く	～いて	書く → 書いて
ぐ	～いで	泳ぐ → 泳いで
す	～して	話す → 話して

Group 2 Verbs (Ichidan verbs)

Simply replace る with て.

• 食べる → 食べて
• 見る → 見て

Irregular Verbs

• する → して
• 来る（くる） → 来て（きて）

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• Verb Stem + ます
  • Usage: Polite form of the verb in the present or future tense.
  • Example: 食べます (I eat / I will eat)
• Verb ています vs. Verb Dictionary Form
  • Verb ています: Action is currently ongoing or habitual.
    • Example: 本を読んでいます。 (I am reading a book.)
  • Verb Dictionary Form: Simple present or future action.
    • Example: 本を読む。 (I read a book. / I will read a book.)

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4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Ongoing Action (Present Continuous)
   • 日本語を勉強しています。
     • Nihongo o benkyou shite imasu.
     • I am studying Japanese.
2. Habitual Action
   • 毎朝ジョギングをしています。
     • Maiasa joggingu o shite imasu.
     • I jog every morning.
3. Resultant State
   • 結婚しています。
     • Kekkon shite imasu.
     • I am married.
4. Polite Conversation
   • 田中さんは今、会議に出ています。
     • Tanaka-san wa ima, kaigi ni dete imasu.
     • Mr. Tanaka is currently attending a meeting.
5. Casual Conversation
   • 何してるの？
     • Nani shiteru no?
     • What are you doing?
6. Written Formality
   • 新製品の開発が進んでいます。
     • Shinseihin no kaihatsu ga susunde imasu.
     • The development of the new product is progressing.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese, expressing ongoing actions using "Verb て います" conveys not only the action but also the speaker's awareness of time and context. Politeness levels can be adjusted by changing the ending:

• います (polite)
• いる (plain)

Levels of Politeness

• Polite Form: しています
  • Used in formal settings or with people of higher status.
• Plain Form: している
  • Used among friends, family, or in casual writing.

Idiomatic Expressions

Some expressions using "Verb て います" have idiomatic meanings:

• 知っています
  • Shitte imasu - I know.
• 分かっています
  • Wakatte imasu - I understand.
• 考えています
  • Kangaete imasu - I am thinking.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting to use the て-form
   • Incorrect: 食べますいます。
   • Correct: 食べています。
2. Using ます twice
   • Incorrect: 読んでいますます。
   • Correct: 読んでいます。
3. Mixing Polite and Plain Forms
   • Be consistent with the formality level.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for て-form Endings
  • う、つ、る → っ sound: Think "UTSU-RU is a hit" (as in って).
  • む、ぶ、ぬ → んで: Remember "MBN" becomes NDE.
  • く → いて, but 行く is irregular → 行って.
• Practice Conjugation
  • Regularly write out verb conjugations to reinforce memory.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• "Verb て います" expresses ongoing actions, habitual behaviors, or resultant states.
• Formation involves the て-form of a verb plus います.
• Politeness levels are crucial; use います for polite and いる for casual.
• Be mindful of verb groups when forming the て-form.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "I am eating" in Japanese using "Verb て います"?
   • Answer: 食べています。
2. Convert the verb 書く (to write) into its て-form.
   • Answer: 書いて
3. Is the following sentence correct? Why or why not? 彼は映画を見ますています。
   • Answer: Incorrect. The correct form is 彼は映画を見ています。 You should not combine ます and ています.

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Feel free to revisit each section for a deeper understanding, and practice by creating your own sentences using "Verb て います"!

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