The functions of “[V-te] iru” are not limited to the following, but major four functions are;
– Action ongoing
– Repetitive action
– Lasting action
– Sustained result of an action
The top one “Action ongoing” was already explained. Today’s expression is “Lasting action”. First take a look at sentences that do not use “[V-te] iru”;
– Watashi wa Koube ni Sumimasu. (I will live in Kobe.)
– Watashi wa Miller-san o Shirimasu. (I will get to know Mr. Miller.)
– Watashi wa Kekkon Shimasu. (I will marry.)
Looking at these three, you will find that English translations are all in future tense. And note that the second one sounds a little funny because it is unusual to expect to know in the future someone you have already known the name. In order to make these future-tense expressions lasting situation in present, “[V-te] iru” needs to be used.
1. Watashi wa Koube ni Sunde imasu. (I live in Kobe.)
2. Watashi wa Miller-san o Shitte imasu. (I know Mr.Miller.)
3. Watashi wa Kekkon Shite imasu. (I am married.)
It is unclear if the verb “Sumu/Sumimasu(live)” for 1. is momentary or stative, but “Shiru/Shirimasu(get to know)” for 2. and “Kekkonsuru/Kekkonshimasu(get married)” are momentary verbs whose action can be done in a moment or very short period of time. Therefore, it is important to know that actions of momentary verbs can be described as lasting situations by using “[V-te] iru”.
For those who are unfamiliar with Te-form of verbs;
Sentence 1’s “Sunde” is the Te-form of “Sumu/Sumimasu”, whose Nai-form is “Sumanai”. Since the vowel before “nai” of Nai-form is “a”, the verb “Sumu/Sumimasu” is of Group1. Therefore, the following is applied to get Te-form.
“i/chi/ri=>tte, bi/mi/ni=>nde, ki=>ite, gi=>ide, shi=>shite, and Itte is for Ikimasu”
Since the letter before “masu” of “Su<mi>masu” is “mi”, “mimasu” turns to be “nde”.
Then you get “Sunde” as the Te-form of “Sumu/Sumimasu”.
Sentence 2’s “Shitte” is the Te-form of “Shiru/Shirimasu”, whose Nai-form is “Shiranai”. Since the vowel before “nai” of Nai-form is “a”, the verb “Shiru/Shirimasu” is of Group1. Therefore, the following is applied to get Te-form.
“i/chi/ri=>tte, bi/mi/ni=>nde, ki=>ite, gi=>ide, shi=>shite, and Itte is for Ikimasu”
Since the letter before “masu” of “Shi<ri>masu” is “ri”, “rimasu” turns to be “tte”.
Then you get “Shitte” as the Te-form of “Shiru/Shirimasu”.
Sentence 3’s “KekkonShite” is the Te-form of “KekkonSuru/KekkonShimasu”. Since “Suru/Shimasu” is one of two Group3 verbs. You just need to remember that its Te-form is “Shite”. Then you get “KekkonShite” as the Te-form of “KekkonSuru/KekkonShimasu”.
Note that what is symbolized to be “[V-te] iru” become “Sunde imasu”, “Shitte imasu”, and “KekkonShite imasu”. “iru” is in dictionary form that can also be the short-ending style of a sentence. But the short-ending style using dictionary form is not good for conversation with people. For the sake of shortness, concise expression “iru” is being used in explanation of grammar. In a conversation, “iru” must be “imasu” for politeness. Note that different speech style (speech level) is used when talking about grammar and when talking to people as a real conversation.
This post was written with reference to the exercise A3 on Section 15 of “Minna no Nihongo (2nd Edition)” published by “3A Corporation”
Agony or Fun?! Second Language Learning 