～て います (～te imasu)
Explanation
Expresses the present continuous or ongoing action; 'to be doing', 'currently doing'.
Formation
Verb て-form + います
Detailed Explanation
The ～て います grammar pattern is used to express that an action is currently happening or ongoing. It can be translated as 'to be doing' or 'currently doing' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is a る-verb, う-verb, or an irregular verb, but all use the verb’s て-form + います.
Examples
今、音楽を聞いています。
Ima, ongaku wo kiite imasu.
I am listening to music right now.
父は新聞を読んでいます。
Chichi wa shinbun wo yonde imasu.
My father is reading a newspaper.
彼女は英語を勉強しています。
Kanojo wa eigo wo benkyou shite imasu.
She is studying English.
子供たちは公園で遊んでいます。
Kodomotachi wa kouen de asonde imasu.
The children are playing in the park.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.