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How to Say ‘Is in a state of; has (a certain quality)’ in Japanese

しています

shi te i masu

[shi te i masu]

💬 Usage Tip: [しています] can show an ongoing state, not just an action. In [すっきりしています], it means "has a crisp/refreshing quality."

🇯🇵 In Japan: Japanese often uses [しています] to describe continuing characteristics, not only actions happening right now.

Phrase Breakdown

shi

[shi]

do; make

The verb する in te-form stem sequence here, used as part of しています.

Example

すっきりしています。

It is crisp and refreshing.

te

[te]

and; -ing form connector

The te-form connector used in verb patterns like しています.

Example

すっきりしています。

It is crisp and refreshing.

います

i masu

is / am / are (ongoing state)

With て-form, shows an action is in progress or a continuing state.

Example

仕事をしています。

I am working.

Words in this phrase

i

[i]

to be; to exist

Part of the helper verb いる in the progressive or resulting-state expression ています.

Example

すっきりしています。

It is crisp and refreshing.

ます

masu

[masu]

polite verb ending

Polite ending completing the expression しています.

Example

すっきりしています。

It is crisp and refreshing.

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