Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verb つ Verb つ (Verb tsu Verb tsu)

Verb つ Verb つ (Verb tsu Verb tsu)

Short explanation:

Expresses a series of actions happening repeatedly one after another.

Formation:

Verb-stem(masu-form) + つ + same Verb-stem(masu-form) + つ

Examples:

朝から晩まで働きつ勉強つで疲れてしまった。
Asa kara ban made hataraki tsu benkyou tsu de tsukarete shimatta.
I'm exhausted from working and studying from morning till night.
彼は話し続けつ笑いつしていた。
Kare wa hanashi tsuzuke tsu warai tsu shite ita.
He kept talking and laughing.
子供たちは食べつ遊びつしていた。
Kodomo tachi wa tabe tsu asobi tsu shite ita.
The children were eating and playing.
私は読みつ書きつして過ごした。
Watashi wa yomi tsu kaki tsu shite sugoshita.
I spent my time reading and writing.

Long explanation:

The ~つ~つ grammar point is used to express a series of actions happening continually one after another. This form nearly always comes in pairs, and the two actions should be related in some way or the events share a common subject. It can also imply that the situation is temporary or changing.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Verb つ Verb つ (Verb tsu Verb tsu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb つ Verb つ (Verb tsu Verb tsu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb つ Verb つ (Verb tsu Verb tsu)

1. Introduction

The construction Verb つ Verb つ (verb tsu verb tsu) is commonly used in Japanese to describe the repetitive or sequential actions of performing two or more verbs in succession. This is particularly useful when expressing actions that are carried out repeatedly or in a back-and-forth manner.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

The Verb つ Verb つ construction combines a verb with the suffix つ (tsu) to indicate that the verb's action is being repeated or alternated. This form creates a rhythm in speech and emphasizes the duality of actions.

Meaning, Structure, Formation

  • Meaning: Indicates repetition or back-and-forth actions.
  • Structure:
    • Take the て form of a verb, and replace it with つ.
    • Repeat this structure for the second verb.

Formation Diagram

Base Verb Verb て-form Replace with つ Resulting Structure
食べる (taberu - to eat) 食べて (tabete) 食べつ 食べつ食べつ (tabetsu tabetsu)
行く (iku - to go) 行って (itte) 行きつ 行きつ行きつ (ikitsu ikitsu)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

  1. Verb て Verb て: This form also connects verbs but focuses more on the sequence rather than repetition. Example: 本を読んで、宿題をする (I read a book and then do homework).
  2. Verb た Verb た: This indicates completed actions. Example: 食べた (tabeta - ate).
  3. Verb ている: Represents ongoing actions rather than repetition. Example: 食べている (tabete iru - is eating).

Key Differences

  • Verb つ Verb つ emphasizes repetition while Verb て Verb て emphasizes order.
  • Verb つ Verb つ can suggest a back-and-forth action.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Informal:
    • 彼はダンスを踊りつ踊りつしている。
      • (Kare wa dansu o odoritsu odoritsu shite iru.)
      • He is dancing back and forth.
  2. Formal:
    • 先生は教えつ教えつしながら、私たちを助けてくださいました。
      • (Sensei wa oshie tsu oshie tsu shinagara, watashitachi o tasukete kudasaimashita.)
      • The teacher helped us while teaching repeatedly.
  3. Written:
    • 彼女は食べつ食べつして、楽しく過ごしている。
      • (Kanojo wa tabetsu tabetsu shite, tanoshiku sugoshite iru.)
      • She is having a good time while eating repeatedly.
  4. Spoken:
    • 昨日、遊びつ遊びつしていたよ。
      • (Kinō, asobi tsu asobi tsu shiteita yo.)
      • Yesterday, I was playing back and forth.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of Verb つ Verb つ can reflect a culture that appreciates rhythm in action, showcasing a dynamic way of life. It can also convey a laid-back or relaxed approach to tasks, indicating that actions can be enjoyed rather than approached linearly.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • さっぱりする (sappari suru) - to feel refreshed can sometimes imply doing tasks repetitively to clear one's mind.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Misusing the Verb つ Verb つ form with unrelated or incompatible verbs can cause confusion. It's essential to ensure that actions can logically follow one another.

Learning Strategies

  • To remember this structure, think of actions as a dance or rhythm, where you can repeat movements in a loop. Associating the suffix つ with "twist" might help recall its rhythmical nature.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • Verb つ Verb つ indicates repetitive or sequential actions.
  • Used to create a rhythm or casual flow in conversation.
  • Different from other verb forms that focus more on order or completion.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does Verb つ Verb つ emphasize?
  2. How does it differ from Verb て Verb て?
  3. Provide an example of Verb つ Verb つ using the verb "to eat" (食べる). By grasping the essence of Verb つ Verb つ, learners can effectively incorporate this rhythmic style into their Japanese communication.
hanabira.org

Ace your Japanese JLPT N5-N1 preparation.

Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


花びら散る

夢のような跡

朝露に

Copyright 2024 @hanabira.org