Processing keyword: ～つつある (〜tsutsu aru)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～つつある (〜tsutsu aru)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～つつある (〜tsutsu aru). This structure is used to indicate that something is in the process of changing or gradually progressing. It's a useful expression for describing trends, ongoing developments, and changes that are currently happening.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning and Usage

• Meaning: To be in the process of doing; to be gradually doing.
• Usage: Indicates that an action or state is ongoing and continues to progress toward a certain outcome. ～つつある emphasizes that the action is currently underway and is progressing over time. It often implies a change that is gradual and ongoing.

Structure

To form this expression, attach つつある to the verb stem of a verb.

Formation

Verb Type	Verb (Dictionary Form)	Verb Stem (ます-form without ます)	+ つつある
Group 1 (う-verbs)	書く (かく)	書き (かき)	書きつつある
Group 2 (る-verbs)	食べる (たべる)	食べ (たべ)	食べつつある
Irregular Verbs	する	し	しつつある

Visual Aid: Formation Diagram

[ Verb Stem ] + つつある

• Example: 変わり (変わり) + つつある = 変わりつつある

3. Comparative Analysis

～ている vs. ～つつある

While both ～ている and ～つつある can describe ongoing actions, there are nuances:

• ～ている
  • Focuses on actions that are currently happening.
  • Common in both spoken and written language.
  • Example: 本を読んでいる。(I'm reading a book.)
• ～つつある
  • Emphasizes a change or development that is in progress.
  • More formal and often used in written language.
  • Example: 技術が進歩しつつある。(Technology is advancing.)

～ながら vs. ～つつある

• ～ながら
  • Indicates two actions occurring simultaneously performed by the same subject.
  • Example: 音楽を聴きながら勉強する。(I study while listening to music.)
• ～つつある
  • Focuses on a single action that is progressing over time.
  • Does not imply simultaneous actions.
  • Example: 季節が変わりつつある。(The seasons are changing.)

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 環境問題に対する意識が高まりつつある。
   • かんきょうもんだいにたいするいしきがたかまりつつある。
   • Translation: Awareness of environmental issues is increasing.
2. 日本の人口は減りつつある。
   • にほんのじんこうはへりつつある。
   • Translation: Japan's population is decreasing.
3. 新しい技術が開発されつつある。
   • あたらしいぎじゅつがかいはつされつつある。
   • Translation: New technologies are being developed.
4. 彼の健康状態は改善しつつある。
   • かれのけんこうじょうたいはかいぜんしつつある。
   • Translation: His health condition is improving.
5. 都市化が進みつつある地域が多い。
   • としかがすすみつつあるちいきがおおい。
   • Translation: There are many regions where urbanization is advancing.

Formal and Informal Contexts

• Formal/Written Language: ～つつある is typically used in formal writing, such as news articles, reports, and academic papers.
• Spoken Language: Less common in everyday conversation; when used, it adds a formal tone.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Expressing Trends: Japanese culture places importance on harmony and awareness of societal trends. ～つつある is often used to discuss societal changes thoughtfully.
• Politeness and Formality: Using ～つつある can add a level of sophistication and politeness to the speech or writing.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 失われつつある伝統文化
  • うしなわれつつあるでんとうぶんか
  • Traditional cultures that are being lost.
• 消えつつある方言
  • きえつつあるほうげん
  • Dialects that are disappearing.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using Plain Form Instead of Verb Stem
   • Incorrect: 食べるつつある ❌
   • Correct: 食べつつある ✔️
   • Tip: Always use the verb stem (ます-form without ます).
2. Misplacing つつある
   • Incorrect: つつある食べ ✔️
   • Tip: Attach つつある directly after the verb stem.
3. Overusing in Casual Conversation
   • Tip: Since ～つつある is formal, it may sound unnatural in casual speech. Use ～ている instead for informal contexts.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Context: Use ～つつある when discussing ongoing changes or developments, especially in formal situations.
• Practice with Current Events: Write sentences about news or trends using ～つつある to become comfortable with its usage.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～つつある is used to describe actions or states that are in the process of changing or gradually developing.
• Formed by attaching つつある to the verb stem.
• Commonly used in formal writing and discussions about trends or ongoing changes.
• Not typically used in casual conversation; ～ている is preferred for general ongoing actions.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the ～つつある construction?
2. In what contexts is ～つつある commonly used?
3. What is the main difference between ～ている and ～つつある?

Answers

1. Attach **つつある** to the **verb stem** (ます-form without ます) of a verb. 2. In formal writing and speech, especially when discussing ongoing changes or developments. 3. **～ている** describes general ongoing actions or states and is common in everyday language, while **～つつある** emphasizes a gradual change or development and is more formal.

---

© Hanabira.org