An event unfolds with A着A着
A着A着
How it works
Repeating a verb with 着 presents an action continuing for a while, followed by something that happens as it goes on. The second clause supplies the development.
This is useful in narration. It does not mean repeating two separate completed actions, and it does not guarantee that the development was planned.
The pattern
Example sentences
走着走着，我们迷路了。
As we kept walking, we got lost.
聊着聊着，天就黑了。
As we kept chatting, it grew dark.
Pinyin generally shows citation tones; tones can change in connected speech.
What to watch for
Do not translate each 着 as a separate “while.” Read the repeated expression as one continuing background action.
Try it
Use 聊着聊着 to introduce the sky getting dark.
Show answer
聊着聊着，天就黑了。 Liáozhe liáozhe, tiān jiù hēi le. As we kept chatting, it grew dark.
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