Structure 'V + 着 + V + 着' (V + zhe + V + zhe)

Description

The structure 'V + 着 + V + 着' (V + zhe + V + zhe) is used to indicate that an action is ongoing and that while it continues, something else happens. This pattern often describes an unexpected change or result occurring while the initial action is taking place.

Examples

• She fell asleep while reading. (她看着看着就睡着了。- Tā kàn zhe kàn zhe jiù shuì zháo le.)
• He started crying while talking. (他说着说着就哭了。- Tā shuō zhe shuō zhe jiù kū le.)
• They started laughing while walking. (他们走着走着就笑了起来。- Tāmen zǒu zhe zǒu zhe jiù xiào le qǐ lái.)

Key Points

• The structure 'V + 着 + V + 着' (V + zhe + V + zhe) indicates an ongoing action.
• It implies that while the initial action is ongoing, something else occurs, often unexpectedly.
• This pattern is frequently used to describe a change in state or a new action happening as a result of the ongoing action.