Verb つ Verb つ (Verb tsu Verb tsu)
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
朝から晩まで働きつ勉強しつで、疲れてしまった。
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.
彼は話しつ笑いつして楽しんでいた。
Kare wa hanashi tsu warai tsu shite tanoshinde ita.
He was talking and laughing, having a good time.
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.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.