Grammar
-고 있다
Meaning
Beginner-go itda
Attaches to a verb stem to express an action currently in progress, similar to English '-ing' ('to be doing'). With certain verbs (like wearing clothes) it can also describe the resulting state rather than the action itself.
Form
Attaches directly to a verb stem: stem + -고 있다, with no change based on the final consonant. Honorific form: stem + -고 계시다. Past progressive: -고 있었다. -고 있다 is only used with action verbs, not with descriptive adjectives.
Examples
사회적 관심이 점점 커지고 있습니다.
Social interest is growing more and more.
엔비디아가 AI 반도체 시장을 독점하고 있습니다.
Nvidia is monopolizing the AI chip market.
From: Korea, AMD Plan Open AI Chip Ecosystem to Rival Nvidia
해운대해수욕장이 피서객을 맞고 있습니다.
Haeundae Beach is welcoming summer visitors.
From: Korea's Beaches Open Early and Stay Open Longer in 2026
다누리는 지금도 달을 탐사하고 있습니다.
Danuri is still exploring the Moon.
Common mistakes & nuance
With verbs like 입다 (wear), 신다 (wear on feet), 쓰다 (wear on head) — '입고 있다' can mean either 'is putting on' (the action) or 'is wearing' (the resulting state); context usually makes the meaning clear.
Similar grammar
- -고
-고 alone simply links two actions in sequence ('do A, and then B'). -고 있다 adds 있다 to mark that the action is ongoing, not just listed.