Core Pattern Rule: Describing a Continued State with -아/어 있다
The pattern -아/어 있다 is used to describe a state that continues as a result of a completed action. It focuses on the lasting result, not the action itself.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It translates to "is in a state of..." or can be expressed with a simple present tense verb in English, like "The door is open."
When to use: Use it to describe the status of objects or the posture of people. For example, you see a door that someone opened earlier, and it remains open. The action of opening is finished, but the state of being open continues.
Formation
This pattern attaches to a verb stem, followed by 있다.
-아 있다: For verb stems ending in the vowel ㅏ or ㅗ.
앉다 (to sit) → 앉아 있다
남다 (to remain) → 남아 있다
-어 있다: For all other verb stems.
서다 (to stand) → 서 있다
열리다 (to be opened) → 열려 있다
눕다 (to lie down) → 누워 있다 (ㅂ irregular)
-여 있다 / -해 있다: For 하다 verbs, though it's more common with passive verbs.
피다 (to bloom) → 피어 있다 (often contracted to 펴 있다)
문이 열려 있어. / 꽃이 피어 있어요. / 피자가 남아 있어요.
Synonyms & Differences: State vs. Action (-아/어 있다 vs. -고 있다)
A common point of confusion for learners is the difference between -아/어 있다 and -고 있다. The key is distinguishing between a continuing state and an ongoing action.
-아/어 있다 (State): Describes the result of a completed action that is being maintained. The action itself is finished.
의자에 앉아 있어요. (I am sitting in the chair.)
The action of sitting down is complete. You are now in the state of being seated.
-고 있다 (Action): Describes an action that is currently in progress. The movement is happening right now.
의자에 앉고 있어요. (I am in the process of sitting down.)
Your body is currently moving from a standing to a sitting position. The action is not yet complete.