Ongoing states with 着 — Chinese grammar (HSK 2)

Verb + 着 (+ Object)

着 (zhe) after a verb describes a continuing state rather than an action in progress: 门开着 means the door is (standing) open. It is common with wearing, holding, sitting, standing and with doors or lights. Verb + 着 can also describe the manner of a second action: 坐着看书 (read while sitting).

Examples

门开着。 Mén kāi zhe.	The door is open.
她穿着红衣服。 Tā chuān zhe hóng yīfu.	She is wearing red clothes.
他坐着看书。 Tā zuò zhe kàn shū.	He is reading sitting down.

Tip: 正在 is for an action happening now; 着 is for the state that results from an action.