Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'middle' or 'in progress' with 中 (zhōng)

    Aspect & Tense
    Location & Position

    Structure

    Verb + 中

    Explanation

    中 (zhōng) as a noun means "middle" or "center," and it is also used to indicate that something is in progress or in a certain state. When placed after an action, 中 signals that the action is ongoing. For instance, 进行中 means "in progress."

    Examples

    • 会议正在进行中，请稍等一下。

      Huìyì zhèngzài jìnxíng zhōng, qǐng shāo děng yíxià.

      The meeting is in progress; please wait a moment.

    • 他站在房间中间，不知道该往哪走。

      Tā zhàn zài fángjiān zhōngjiān, bù zhīdào gāi wǎng nǎ zǒu.

      He stood in the middle of the room, not knowing which way to go.

    • 装修中，暂停营业，下周一重新开门。

      Zhuāngxiū zhōng, zàntíng yíngyè, xià zhōuyī chóngxīn kāimén.

      Under renovation, temporarily closed. Reopening next Monday.

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'middle' or 'in progress' with 中 (zhōng) | Chinese Grammar