JLPT N4 Grammar – The use of “〜をしている”
Table of Contents
1. The use of “〜をしている”
2. 〜です
3. 〜をしている
4. “〜ている” does not have only one meaning
5. Summary
6. Similar Articles
7. Comments
Q: Which should I use, “きれいな色です” or “きれいな色をしています”?
A: Both expressions are natural, but the speaker’s point of view is slightly different.
In this article, we clearly explain the difference between them and how to use each expression correctly.
〜です (JLPT N5)
[Meaning]
A simple way of describing an object’s attribute or characteristic directly
[Examples]
この車は青色です。
This car is blue.
⇒ It simply states the fact that “the color of this car is blue.”
わたしは元気です。
I am fine.
このぬいぐるみは変な顔です。
This stuffed toy has a strange face.
“〜です” expresses a characteristic as a direct statement and works as an evaluative expression.
〜している (JLPT N4)
[Meaning]
An expression used to describe someone’s or something’s appearance objectively
[Rule]
[N] Noun ＋ をしている
“〜ている” is used to describe the appearance or condition that you can see right now.
In this case, it is not the progressive form. It is a way to express an observed appearance or impression.
[Examples]
この花はきれいな色をしています。
This flower has a beautiful color.
元気な顔をしているので、安心しました。
I felt relieved because they looked healthy and cheerful.
このぬいぐるみは変な顔をしています。
This stuffed toy has a strange-looking face.
This focuses not on evaluation, but on describing the appearance.
“〜ている” does not have only one meaning.
“〜ている” has several different uses.
| Use | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ① Progressive Tense | Shows that an action is happening now | 雨が降っている It is raining |
| ② Resulting State | The result of one action continues as a state | ドアが開いている The door is open |
| ③ Continuation or Repetition of a Habit | An action repeated from the past to the present | 毎朝ジョギングしている I jog every morning |
| ④ Maintenance of a Changed State | A change has happened and the state continues | 桜が咲いている The cherry blossoms are blooming |
| ⑤ Experience or Background | Shows accumulated experience | あの店によく行っている I often go to that shop |
| ⑥ Existence in a Specific Location | After moving, someone is in that place | カナダに来ている I have come to Canada and I am here now |
JLPT N4 Grammar
Uses of “〜ている” Beyond the
Present Progressive Tense
[ The use of “～をしている”]
“〜をしている” is an expression used to describe the nature, appearance, or impression of something in an objective and observational way.
In this case, it does not give an evaluation like “〜です.” Instead, it describes what something looks like.
There is a small grammar pattern for this use:
[Adjective ＋ Noun（color, appearance, body parts, face color, and so on）＋ している]
This pattern is often used to describe appearance.
[Examples]
この花は きれいな（形容詞）＋色をしています。
This flower has a beautiful color.
変な（形容詞）＋顔をして、笑かさないでください。
Don’t make a strange face and try to make me laugh.
うさぎは 赤い（形容詞）＋目をしています。
A rabbit has red eyes.
真っ青な（形容詞）＋顔色をしていますが、大丈夫ですか。
Your face looks completely pale. Are you okay?
Summary
| Expression | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| 〜です | States the characteristic itself as an evaluation | Direct and clear |
| 〜している | Describes the observed appearance objectively | Soft and descriptive |
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