Describe a scene with 着
处所 + 动词 + 着
How it works
Start with a place and then describe what is there. In 桌上放着一本书, 着 presents the book as remaining in a placed position; it does not mean someone is currently putting it down.
The noun after the verb commonly introduces something into the scene. A number and measure word help specify what the listener should picture.
The pattern
Example sentences
桌上放着一本书。
There is a book lying on the table.
门开着。
The door is open.
Pinyin generally shows citation tones; tones can change in connected speech.
What to watch for
着 here marks a continuing state. Do not automatically translate it as English “-ing.”
Try it
Use 放着 to describe a book on the table.
Show answer
桌上放着一本书。 Zhuō shàng fàngzhe yī běn shū. There is a book lying on the table.
Syllabus reference
The topic is listed in the official 2025 syllabus. The explanation, examples and practice on this page are written for SenMandarin.
SenMandarin · Updated 2026-10-22