在 for ongoing action and 过 for experience
Use 在 before the verb for an action in progress and 过 after the verb for life experience.
Examples
Mandarin ChineseTranslation
我在看书，也去过上海。Wǒ zài kàn shū, yě qù guo Shànghǎi.
I am reading, and I have also been to Shanghai.
她在做饭。Tā zài zuò fàn.
She is cooking.
你看过这个电影吗？Nǐ kàn guo zhège diànyǐng ma?
Have you seen this movie before?
Pattern
在 + verb / verb + 过
How it works
Use 在 before the verb for an action in progress and 过 after the verb for life experience. This pattern typically appears as 在 + verb / verb + 过 and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- 在 usually points to an action in progress right now.
- 过 marks prior experience, not simple completion.
Why it matters
See how Mandarin marks completion, experience, and action in progress.
Use in context
These two markers are high-value because they help you talk about what is happening now and what has happened before.