Abstract: In many Chinese dialects, the aspect mark “zai” is originated from “zai zhe (na) li”, which can be proved by the mark in Danjiang dialect. In Danjiang dialect, the sentence-final aspect mark “zai” is the abbreviation of “zai li” in the end of the verb structure, not from “zai” indicating existence. Grammaticalized “zai zhe (na)li” in the end of the verb phrases indicates continuance, and is in common with grammaticalized “zai zhe (na) li”in front of verbs in origin, which are the result of grammaticalization of prepositional object in their own positions.

Key words: Danjiang dialect, aspect mark, “zai”