Meaning
著 is a multifunctional character with three main pronunciations. As 'zhe', it's a common grammatical particle indicating an ongoing state or continuous action. As 'zhuó', it means to wear or to touch. As 'zhāo', it means to be affected by or to succeed.
Usage
Most commonly encountered as the particle 'zhe' (着) attached to verbs to show an action in progress or a resulting state. In modern simplified Chinese, 著 is often written as 着 except in formal contexts or when meaning 'to write/著作'. Native speakers use 'verb + 著' to emphasize that something is currently happening or maintaining a state.
Examples
- 01她站著等了很久。.She waited standing for a long time.
- 02門開著，別關上。, .The door is open, don't close it.
Common collocations
- 看著looking at (continuous)
- 坐著sitting (state)
- 穿著wearing
- 著急anxious, worried
Origin
Originally depicted a hand reaching down to touch or place something. The character combines elements suggesting contact and action, which evolved into its various modern meanings of touching, wearing, and indicating continuous states.