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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to lie down' with 卧 (wò)

    Actions & Events
    Location & Position

    Structure

    Subject + 卧 + 着

    Explanation

    The verb 卧 (wò) means 'to lie down' or 'to recline' and is a slightly more literary or formal alternative to 躺. It appears in compound words like 卧室 (bedroom) and 卧铺 (sleeping berth on a train). When followed by 着, it indicates the ongoing state of lying down.

    Examples

    • 他太累了，回家就卧在沙发上不动了。

      tā tài lèi le, huí jiā jiù wò zài shāfā shàng bù dòng le.

      He was so tired that he lay down on the sofa and didn't move when he got home.

    • 火车上的卧铺票已经卖完了。

      huǒchē shàng de wòpù piào yǐjīng mài wán le.

      The sleeper berth tickets on the train are already sold out.

    • 猫咪卧在阳台上晒太阳。

      māomī wò zài yángtái shàng shài tàiyáng.

      The cat is lying on the balcony sunbathing.

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    Expressing 'to lie down' with 卧 (wò) | Chinese Grammar