Explain the main aspect markers: 了 过 着 and their uses
The main Chinese aspect markers 了 (le), 过 (guo), and 着 (zhe) have distinct uses to indicate the temporal flow or state of an action:
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了 (le) indicates a completed action or a change of state. It is used after a verb to show the action is finished or a sentence-final 了 can mark a change. For example, “我吃了” (Wǒ chī le) means “I have eaten” or “I ate.” It clarifies that the action is complete or that something has changed. 2, 7, 8
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过 (guo) signifies a past experience or that an action has happened before, without specifying when. For instance, “我去过中国” (Wǒ qù guo Zhōngguó) means “I have been to China.” It focuses on the occurrence or experience rather than completion or duration. 8, 2
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着 (zhe) marks an ongoing or continuous state or action. It indicates something is currently in progress or persistent. For example, “他坐着” (Tā zuò zhe) means “He is sitting,” emphasizing the ongoing state. 3, 6, 2, 8
In summary, 了 marks completed actions or changes, 过 marks past experience, and 着 marks ongoing or continuous states or actions. Their correct use is essential to convey the nuanced time and state aspects of verbs in Chinese sentences. Each is placed typically after the verb to modify its aspect.