Introduction

The grammar pattern te form + iru is one of the most important and most confusing grammar points for JLPT N4 learners. This pattern is used to express ongoing actions and also to describe states or conditions. It appears very frequently in JLPT N4 listening, reading, and daily conversation. Learners must clearly understand the difference between action meaning and state meaning.

This article explains te form + iru in a clear and simple way for Japanese learners. All Japanese examples are written only in hiragana and katakana, with no kanji.

Grammar Structure Explained

verb in te form + iru

This grammar is used to describe what is happening now or the current state caused by a past action. The verb must always be in te form before adding iru.

Meaning in English

Depending on the verb, this pattern means either "is doing something" or "is in a certain state". Understanding the verb type is very important.

Use One: Ongoing Action

This use describes an action that is happening now or continuing.

Examples.

ima benkyou shite iru。 i am studying now.
kare wa terebi o mite iru。 he is watching television.
ame ga futte iru。 it is raining.

Use Two: State or Result

This use describes a state that exists as the result of a past action. In this case, the action already happened, and we focus on the current condition.

Examples.

doa ga aite iru。 the door is open.
denki ga tsuite iru。 the light is on.
kekkon shite iru。 (be married)

Important Difference

Some verbs mainly show action, while others mainly show state when used with te form + iru. Learners must memorize common state verbs for JLPT N4.

Common State Verbs (N4 Level)

aite iru (open) shimatte iru (closed) tsuite iru (on) kiete iru (off) suwatte iru (sitting) tatte iru (standing)

Important Grammar Notes

Te form + iru does not always mean present continuous in English. It can also describe a state. This is a very common mistake by learners.

Correct understanding. doa ga aite iru means the door is open, not opening now.

Common Mistakes by Learners

Always translating te form + iru as "is doing". Not understanding the state meaning. Confusing ta form with te form + iru.

JLPT N4 Exam Point

In JLPT N4, te form + iru appears very frequently in listening and reading questions. Many questions test whether the learner understands action meaning or state meaning. Pay special attention to context and verb type.

Short Practice

Decide whether the sentence shows action or state.

kodomo ga nete iru
mado ga aite iru
haha wa ryouri shite iru

Summary

Te form + iru is a core JLPT N4 grammar pattern used to express ongoing actions and states. Understanding the difference between these two meanings is essential for passing JLPT N4. This grammar appears very often in both listening and reading sections.

JLPT N4 Grammar te form iru Explained | Ongoing Actions and States in Japanese