Tell four meanings of 〜ている apart
A lightweight HTML guide that compares the meanings without loading a video.
State
Already describes a state
aru · iru · dekiruUsually does not add 〜ているAction
An action in progress
hon o yondeiruClose to English -ingResult
The state after an action
kekkon shiteiruNot getting married nowQuality
Describes appearance or a trait
haha ni niteiru〜ている sounds naturalIntroduction
Your friend asks you a question in Japanese:
"Maria-san, are you married?"
You start thinking.
"Kekkon shiteimasu"... "shiteimasu"...
Since "~teiru" is equivalent to "~ing"...
Is it "I am getting married"?
No, that is wrong.
It is "I am married."
Here is another one.
A friend looks at a photo and says:
"This child looks like her mom."
"Niteiru"...
"She is resembling her mom"?
No, that is wrong.
It is "She looks like her mom."
This is strange, isn't it?
Even though it uses "~teiru," it does not mean "~ing."
So, what exactly is "~teiru"?
You will understand everything today.
Japanese verbs are divided into three main types, plus one extra. Once you know these types, you will never get confused by "~teiru" again. Let's get started!
This classification was created by Haruhiko Kindaichi. He was a very famous linguist who studied the Japanese language. Kindaichi-sensei thought about it this way: How does the meaning of a verb change when you add "~teiru"? He researched this and categorized Japanese verbs into:
① Stative verbs: Often cannot use "~teiru."
② Continuous verbs: "~teiru" means the action is in progress.
③ Instantaneous verbs: "~teiru" means the resulting state.
+ Bonus: Type 4 verbs: "~teiru" is naturally used when describing a state.
Three main types and one extra. Let's look at them one by one.
① Stative Verbs — They Usually Do Not Take "~teiru"
Things, people and animals
11 secondsThe example sentences, recorded one by one.
Read the transcript
机の上に本があります。
There is a book on the desk.
庭に猫がいます。
There is a cat in the garden.
台所に妹がいます。
My younger sister is in the kitchen.
Listen to stative verbs
55 secondsA clip from a short YouTube video, explanation included.
Read the transcript
Have you ever tried to say "ありています"?
And something just felt... wrong?
Your instinct was right.
ある, いる, and できる, when it means ability, don't normally take 〜ている.
Why?
Because they're already a state.
All three already describe a state on their own.
ある → ありている いる → いている できる (ability) → できている
They usually don't need 〜ている because they already describe a state.
Same as English: know, like, want...
no ing either.
I am knowing → I know
Same logic.
Different language.
This is type 1 of 3 + bonus.
All four types explained in the long video — link in bio.
Trial lesson on Preply — link in bio.
See you next time, chao chao!
These verbs are a bit special. The reason is — they usually do not take the "~teiru" form. Look at this:
Examples
「机の上にペンがあります。」 → "There is a pen on the desk."
Then, how about "ariteimasu"? ...You cannot say that. You have never heard it before, have you?
「猫がいます。」 → "There is a cat."
"Neko ga iteimasu"? ...That sounds strange, too.
「日本語ができます。」 → "I can speak Japanese." This means "I have the ability."
"Nihongo ga dekiteimasu"? It is not used in this sense.
...However!
There is an interesting point here. In Japanese conversation, we say, "Kono ko, igaito shigoto dekiteru ne" (This kid is actually surprisingly capable at work). Even though it is grammatically a stative verb, in spoken language, "~teiru" sometimes appears. Every language has these kinds of irregularities.
But the basic rule is: "Dekiru = Stative verb → ~teiru is unnecessary." First, please memorize this firmly.
Aru (exist) → Ariteiru (✕)
Iru (exist) → Iteiru (✕)
Dekiru (ability) → Dekiteiru (✕)
Why is that?
These verbs originally express a "state."
- "Aru" is the state of "existing there."
- "Iru" is the state of "being there."
- "Dekiru" regarding ability is the state of "possessing the ability."
They are already states. That is why there is no need to add "~teiru." It basically means, "It is already a state, so we do not need it."
English has the same mechanism
Have, know, like, love, want, live. Do you say these in English?
❌ "I am knowing the answer." → ...No, you don't. You say, ✅ "I know the answer."
❌ "I am liking this song." → ...This is also strange. It is, ✅ "I like this song."
This is for the exact same reason. "Know," "like," and "love" are English stative verbs. Because they are already states, you cannot make them into "~ing." Japanese "aru," "iru," and "dekiru" (in the sense of ability) follow the same mechanism.
The interesting case of "live"
But here is the interesting part. The English verb "live" is a stative verb.
"I live in Tokyo." This is fine. It means "sundeiru."
But in Japanese, we do not say "sumimasu" — we say "sundeimasu."
Even though the concept of "living" is the same, the form "live" is natural in English, while the form "sundeimasu" is natural in Japanese.
The ease of using verb forms varies by language. Knowing this helps you understand, "Oh, that is why the forms are different between English and Japanese."
② Continuous Verbs — ~ている = Action in Progress
What you're doing now
5 secondsThe example sentences, recorded one by one.
Read the transcript
今、何をしていますか。
What are you doing now?
本を読んでいます。
I'm reading a book.
Now and every day
9 secondsThe example sentences, recorded one by one.
Read the transcript
妹は今、ご飯を食べています。
My younger sister is eating now.
私は毎朝、走っています。
I run every morning.
Listen to continuous action verbs
60 secondsA clip from a short YouTube video, explanation included.
Read the transcript
〜ている = ~ing.
Simple, right?
Only with one type of verb.
They're called continuous verbs:
読んでいます = I'm reading.
書いています = I'm writing.
食べています = I'm eating.
So far, yes. 〜ている is like ~ing.
But there's a twist.
毎朝、走っています。
Am I running right now?
No.
It means: "I run every morning." A habit.
〜ている here = in progress or habit.
Context decides.
What about verbs like 結婚する or 壊れる?
Also ~ing?
Not even close.
That's type 3.
The one that trips everyone up.
This is type 2 of 3 + bonus.
Long video with all four types — link in bio.
Book a trial lesson on Preply — same link.
See you next time, chao chao!
When you add "~teiru" to these verbs, it means the action is currently in progress. This is probably the first "~teiru" you learned in your textbook.
Examples
Yomu (read) → Yondeiru (is reading)
「ケンジさんは本を読んでいます。」
"Kenji-san is reading a book." He is literally turning the pages right now.
Kaku (write) → Kaiteiru (is writing)
「マリアさんはレポートを書いています。」
"Maria-san is writing a report." She is in the middle of typing or writing right now.
Aruku (walk) → Aruiteiru (is walking)
「あの人は公園を歩いています。」
"That person is walking in the park." They are moving one step at a time right now.
Close to ~ing, but not the same
This "~teiru" is close to the English "~ing." "I am reading," "I am writing," "I am walking." ...But it is only "close." It is not the "same." The reason will be clear when you see the instantaneous verbs next.
It can also mean a habit
Before that, one more thing. The "~teiru" of continuous verbs can also mean a habit.
「毎朝、走っています。」
This does not mean "I am running right now," but "I have a habit of running every morning."
「大学で日本語を勉強しています。」
It is not about this exact moment, but "something I usually do."
It is not just "in progress." "Things you always do" are also expressed with "~teiru." This is a blind spot, so please remember it!
③ Instantaneous Verbs — ~ている = Resulting State (The Climax)
Listen to instantaneous verbs
59 secondsA clip from a short YouTube video, explanation included.
Read the transcript
Quick question.
結婚しています。
What does that mean?
"I'm getting married"?
Like, right now at the ceremony?
No.
"I'm married."
The wedding already happened.
I am getting married → I am married
How about this one?
壊れています。
"It's breaking"?
No.
"It's broken." Already happened.
That's the result.
It is breaking → It is broken
These are called instant verbs: 結婚する, 壊れる, 始まる, 届く.
The action happens in a single moment.
〜ている captures what comes AFTER.
Same 〜ている, opposite meaning from the last Short.
The verb type changes everything.
This is type 3 of 3 + bonus.
All four types in the long video — link in bio.
Trial lesson with me on Preply — same link.
See you next time, chao chao!
This is the climax of today. This is where most people make mistakes.
When you add "~teiru" to these verbs, it expresses the state "after" the action is completed. It is no longer "in progress." It is the state after "it is already finished."
Examples
Remember the question from earlier.
結婚する → 結婚している
"Kekkon suru" is an instantaneous verb. Imagine a wedding ceremony. "Yes, I do." This moment is just an instant.
「結婚しています」 is about the time after that instant. The ceremony is over, you are wearing a ring, and you are living together — that is the state.
That is why in English, we say "I am married." It is a state.
❌ "I am getting married" is during the ceremony. They are completely different.
壊れる → 壊れている
「この時計は壊れています。」
"Kowareru" is also an instantaneous verb. The moment it breaks is an instant.
"Kowareteimasu" is the state after that. That is why in English, we say "It is broken." It is the state after it broke.
❌ "It is breaking" means it is in the process of breaking right now. Completely different.
死ぬ → 死んでいる
「死んでいます」 = He is dead (it already happened)
❌ He is dying (not yet)
始まる → 始まっている
「映画はもう始まっています。」 → The moment the movie started was an instant. After that, it is being screened.
Let's compare ② and ③
② Continuous verb "Tabeteiru" (eating) → Munching (in the middle of the action).
③ Instantaneous verb "Kekkon shiteiru" (married) → Wearing a ring (after the action is finished).
It is the same "~teiru." But the meanings are completely different. Why? Because the verb types are different. If you do not know this, you might hear "kekkon shiteimasu" and think, "Are they in the middle of the wedding right now?" Once you know it, you will not make that mistake again.
| Continuous verbs ② | Instantaneous verbs ③ | |
| 〜ている | Action in progress | Resulting state |
| Example | 食べている → eating (munching) | 結婚している → married (wearing a ring) |
| English | ~ing | state (married, dead, broken) |
Tendency: Transitive vs. Intransitive
Since those who have read this far are people who really want to learn Japanese, let's dig a little deeper.
Look at the Type 2 verbs: "yomu," "kaku," "taberu," "aruku." These are all transitive verbs or intentional actions. These are actions you decide to do. And they take time.
Look at the Type 3 verbs: "hajimaru," "owaru," "kowareru," "tsuku." These are mostly intransitive verbs. Changes that happen naturally, not by your own will. And they happen in an instant.
Transitive (intentional) → Takes time → Tends to be a continuous verb.
Intransitive (unintentional) → Happens in an instant → Tends to be an instantaneous verb.
It is not a perfect law, but there is this tendency. When you are wondering, "Is this verb continuous or instantaneous?" Try thinking, "Is it an action I do by my own will, or a change that happens naturally?" It is a great hint.
Bonus: Type 4 Verbs — ~ている Is Most Natural When Describing a State
Listen to Type 4 verbs
50 secondsA clip from a short YouTube video, explanation included.
Read the transcript
Bonus round.
The weirdest verb type in Japanese.
Some verbs can't survive without 〜ている.
似る — "to resemble."
お母さんに似ています。 = "She looks like her mom."
Perfect.
Natural.
But... お母さんに似ます。
...weird.
Nobody says that.
優れる — "to excel" / "to be superior."
この製品は優れています。
Natural.
この製品は優れます。
Sounds off for describing a current state.
Type 1 rejects 〜ている.
This type can't exist without it.
Opposites.
Those are all 4 types.
Full breakdown in the long video — link in bio.
Trial lesson with me on Preply — same link.
See you next time, chao chao!
Kindaichi-sensei called this type "Type 4 verbs." Officially, "verbs of state-bearing meaning." And this type is Kindaichi-sensei's original discovery.
I call this verb type something a bit catchier: "Verbs where ~teiru is most natural when describing a state." What does that mean? You will know as soon as you see it.
Examples
似る → "Okaasan ni niteimasu." (She looks like her mother.)
This is natural. You hear it every day.
But what about "Okaasan ni nimasu"? ...It can be said depending on how you phrase the sentence. But to describe the current state, "niteimasu" is much more natural.
優れる → "Kono seihin wa sugureteimasu." (This product is excellent.)
Natural. "Kono seihin wa suguremasu"? ...It sounds like a descriptive text. But to talk about the current evaluation, "sugureteimasu" is more natural.
そびえる → "Fujisan ga sobieteimasu." (Mt. Fuji towers over.)
Natural. It is beautiful Japanese. "Fujisan ga sobiemasu"? ...It sounds like written language. But to describe the scenery in front of you, "sobieteimasu" is more natural.
Niru (resemble) → Niteiru
Sugureru (excel) → Sugureteiru
Sobieru (tower) → Sobieteiru
Isn't that interesting? Type 1 is hard to use with "~teiru." The bonus type is very easy to use with "~teiru" when describing a state. They are exact opposites. Doesn't finding things like this make studying Japanese a little more fun?
Summary
Let's review the 3 points plus the bonus one more time.
- Stative verbs → Often cannot use "~teiru."
- Continuous verbs → "~teiru" = In the middle of an action.
- Instantaneous verbs → "~teiru" = Resulting state.
- The bonus: Type 4 → "~teiru" is naturally used when describing a state.
| Type | Meaning of 〜ている | Representative Verbs |
| ① Stative | Often cannot use it | ある・いる・できる |
| ② Continuous | Action in progress | 読む・書く・食べる |
| ③ Instantaneous | Resulting state | 死ぬ・結婚する・壊れる |
| Bonus (Type 4) | ~ている is most natural | 似る・優れる・そびえる |
~てしまう Bonus: How Verb Types Affect Other Grammar
By the way, this classification also relates to the meaning of "~teshimau."
When you add "~teshimau" to Type 2 verbs → Finishing the action.
"Hon o yonde shimatta" = Finished reading until the end.
When you add "~teshimau" to Type 3 verbs → Irreversible.
"Kowarete shimatta" = It broke.
"Tokei ga kowarete shimatta." (The watch broke.) It will not go back to how it was.
Even though it is the same "~teshimau," the meaning differs based on the verb type. Isn't that interesting?
Quiz 1 Practice
Think of your answer before opening the solution.
Question 1: 「マリアさんは手紙を書いて ＿＿＿＿＿＿ 。」
Question 2: 「電車はもう出て ＿＿＿＿＿＿ 。」
Question 3: 「この子はお父さんに ＿＿＿＿＿＿ 。」
Question 4: 「机の上にペンが ＿＿＿＿＿＿ 。」
💡 Show Answer
- 書いています — ② Continuous verb → In the middle of an action. Maria-san is writing the letter right now.
- 出ています — ③ Instantaneous verb → Resulting state. "The train has already left."
- 似ています — Type 4 bonus → "This child looks like her father." 「似ます」 can be said, but "niteimasu" is much more natural.
- あります — ① Stative verb → Not "ariteimasu"!
Did you get them all right? If you did — you are now a "~teiru" master!
▶️ Watch the video for this lesson
💡 Tip: This video covers advanced grammar. Turn on English subtitles (CC) on your first viewing to fully understand the content.
📱 Short Videos (English)
- ① State Verbs — Stop Using 〜ている Wrong
- ② Continuous Verbs — 〜ている ≠ ~ing
- ③ Instant Verbs — 結婚しています ≠ I'm Getting Married
- ④ Fourth Type — The Rarest Verb Type
📱 Short Videos (Español)
- ① Verbos de estado — Gramática que RECHAZAN 〜ている
- ② Verbos continuos — 〜ている = ~ing
- ③ Verbos instantáneos — Error Común: 結婚しています
- ④ Cuarto tipo — Verbos que SOLO Existen con 〜ている
🎓 Want to Level Up?
On YouTube, I teach you the rules of ~ている. On Preply, we practice real conversation — I'll diagnose your weak spots with ~ている and we'll work on them together. There are trial lessons available too.
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See you in the next one!