Grammar
-아/어 있다
remain in a resulting state
Form
Change-of-state verb stem + -아/어 있다 — “be / remain” in the resulting state.
Function
Describes a state continuing after a completed action or change; it does not freely combine with every action verb.
Why this form?
-고 있다 — “be -ing” or resultative depending on the verb: often foregrounds a process, while -아/어 있다 focuses on a continuing resulting state.
Forms not to confuse
-고 있다
지금 문을 잠그고 있어요. — I am locking the door now.
Examples
보시다시피 잠겨 있었어요. — As you can see, it was locked.
창문이 열려 있어요. — The window is open.