〜つ〜つ

alternately ~ing

Structure

Verb stem + つ + stem + つ

Explanation

「〜つ〜つ」 means "alternately ~ing". Structure: Verb stem + つ + stem + つ. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.

Example sentences

行きつ戻りつ、貯蔵の前で考え込んだ。

ゆきつもどりつ、ちょぞうのまえでかんがえこんだ。

yukitsu modoritsu, chozou no mae de kangaekonda.

Pacing back and forth, I pondered in front of the storage.

行きつ戻りつ、帳簿の前で考え込んだ。

ゆきつもどりつ、ちょうぼのまえでかんがえこんだ。

yukitsu modoritsu, choubo no mae de kangaekonda.

Pacing back and forth, I pondered in front of the account books.

行きつ戻りつ、携帯の前で考え込んだ。

ゆきつもどりつ、けいたいのまえでかんがえこんだ。

yukitsu modoritsu, keitai no mae de kangaekonda.

Pacing back and forth, I pondered in front of the carrying.

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