Explanation
Expresses two alternating actions happening repeatedly.
Formation
Verb-ますstem + つ + Verb-ますstem + つ
Detailed 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.
Examples
Asa kara ban made hataraki tsu benkyō shi tsu de, tsukarete shimatta.
I’ve been working and studying from morning till night, and now I’m exhausted.
Kare wa hanashi tsu warai tsu shite tanoshinde ita.
He was talking and laughing, having a good time.
Kodomo-tachi wa tabe tsu asobi tsu shite ita.
The children were eating and playing.
Watashi wa yomi tsu kaki tsu shite sugoshita.
I spent my time reading and writing.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.