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Home › N1 Grammar Pattern List › 〜つ〜つ

Meaning

Describes two paired actions repeated alternately. An archaic literary expression for opposing movements repeated, as in 「行きつ戻りつ」 (going back and forth).

Examples

1. 彼は部屋を行きつ戻りつしながら考え込んでいた。 He paced back and forth in his room, deep in thought.
2. 小舟は荒波に浮きつ沈みつ、岸を目指した。 The small boat bobbed up and down in the rough waves, heading for shore.