〜たり〜たりします
do things like A and B
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜たり〜たりします” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜たり〜たりします」 means "do things like A and B". Structure: Verb ta-form + り. This is a JLPT N5 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.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
At school
Example 1勉強をしたり、本を読んだりします。
べんきょうをしたり、ほんをよんだりします。
benkyouoshitari, hon'oyondarishimasu.
I do things like study and reading books.
Everyday life
Example 2質問をしたり、本を読んだりします。
しつもんをしたり、ほんをよんだりします。
shitsumon'oshitari, hon'oyondarishimasu.
I do things like question and reading books.
Shopping & services
Example 3買い物をしたり、本を読んだりします。
かいものをしたり、ほんをよんだりします。
kaimonooshitari, hon'oyondarishimasu.
I do things like shopping and reading books.
Everyday life
Example 4洗濯をしたり、本を読んだりします。
せんたくをしたり、ほんをよんだりします。
sentakuoshitari, hon'oyondarishimasu.
I do things like laundry and reading books.
Everyday life
Example 5電話をしたり、本を読んだりします。
でんわをしたり、ほんをよんだりします。
denwaoshitari, hon'oyondarishimasu.
I do things like telephone call and reading books.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I do things like study and reading books.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜たり〜たりします.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.