Meaning
This pattern describes two actions alternating back and forth repeatedly, or a state in which both actions take turns occurring. It carries the same meaning as 「…たり…たり」. The second verb is either the passive form of the first verb or a verb with the opposite meaning.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb 1 (ます-form) | つ |
| Verb 2 (ます-form) | つ |
Examples
-
わが社とA社は持ちつ持たれつの関係だ。
Our company and Company A have a mutually supportive relationship. -
駅前の大きな広告の前を行きつ戻りつしながら、なかなか来ない彼女を待った。
I paced back and forth in front of the large advertisement by the station, waiting for her to arrive, but she was nowhere to be seen.
Summary
- 「〜つ〜つ」 means "alternately doing... and..."
- Attaches to Verb (ます-form) + つ, paired with another Verb (ます-form) + つ