～ている ③
Has/have done, Is ~ing (Repetition)
Structure
Verb［て］+ る
Verb［
Explanation
Another key function of ている is to describe habitual actions or routines. This usage applies to activities that are performed repeatedly over time, such as one's profession, a regular hobby, or a daily custom, rather than an action happening at this very moment.
- 姉は毎週図書館で本を読んでいる。My older sister reads books at the library every week. (This is a regular activity of the sister)
- 毎朝コーヒーを飲んでいる。I drink coffee every morning. (This is a daily custom of the speaker)
- 弟は大学で日本語を勉強している。My younger brother is studying Japanese at university. (This is his current, long-term situation)
Because いる is a verb of existence, this use of ている carries the nuance of 'being in a state'. For repeated actions, it implies that someone 'exists in the state of' habitually performing that activity.
Caution
To clarify that an action is habitual, this grammar pattern is frequently paired with time-related adverbs. Common examples include 毎日, 毎晩, 毎週, and other similar expressions.
Fun Fact
In casual speech, manga, and certain regional dialects, ている is sometimes contracted to とる while retaining the same meaning.
- 週末はいつもジムで運動しとる。I always exercise at the gym on weekends.
Examples
彼は毎朝コーヒーを飲んでいる。
He drinks coffee every morning. (He is drinking...)
彼女は週末にテニスをしている。
She plays tennis on weekends. (She is playing...)
私の家族は東京に住んでいます。
My family lives in Tokyo. (My family is living...)
鈴木さんは毎日バスで会社に通っています。
Mr. Suzuki commutes to the office by bus every day. (Mr. Suzuki is commuting...)
田中さんは猫を飼っています。
Ms. Tanaka has a cat. (Ms. Tanaka is keeping/raising...)
あの先生は大学で英語を教えています。
That teacher teaches English at a university. (That teacher is teaching...)
私はあの人のことをよく知っています。
I know that person well. (I am knowing...)
母はいつもあの店で買い物をしている。
My mother always shops at that store. (My mother is doing shopping...)
山田さんは眼鏡をかけています。
Mr. Yamada wears glasses. (Mr. Yamada is wearing...)
兄は医者をしています。
My older brother is a doctor. (My older brother is doing the act of being...)
妹は寝る前に音楽を聴いている。
My younger sister listens to music before she goes to sleep. (My younger sister is listening...)
あのコンビニは２４時間開いています。
That convenience store is open 24 hours. (That convenience store has opened and is in that state...)