Verb つ Verb つ JLPT N1

Formation

Verb-ますstem + つ + Verb-ますstem + つ

Explanation

The 〜つ〜つ pattern is used with two verb ます-stems to express two ongoing, repeated or alternating actions. For example, 'push and pull,' 'go and come back,' 'eat and play,' etc. The same subject is typically implied for both verbs.

Example sentences

• 朝から晩まで働きつ勉強しつで、疲れてしまった。

  I’ve been working and studying from morning till night, and now I’m exhausted.

  Asa kara ban made hataraki tsu benkyō shi tsu de, tsukarete shimatta.

• 彼は話しつ笑いつして楽しんでいた。

  He was talking and laughing, having a good time.

  Kare wa hanashi tsu warai tsu shite tanoshinde ita.

• 子供たちは食べつ遊びつしていた。

  The children were eating and playing.

  Kodomo-tachi wa tabe tsu asobi tsu shite ita.

• 私は読みつ書きつして過ごした。

  I spent my time reading and writing.

  Watashi wa yomi tsu kaki tsu shite sugoshita.