At a glance
V1-つ V2-つ describes two paired actions that alternate or repeat, like "back and forth" or "mutually". It is used in a small set of fixed expressions, mostly in written or formal Japanese.
V1 (ます-stem) + つ + V2 (ます-stem) + つ
彼は駅の前を行きつ戻りつしていた。 He was pacing back and forth in front of the station.
How to form it
Take the ます-stem of each verb and add つ. The two verbs are a fixed pair: either opposite actions, or the same verb in active and passive form.
| Pair type | Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Opposite actions | 行きつ戻りつ | going back and forth |
| Opposite actions | 見えつ隠れつ | appearing and disappearing |
| Opposite actions | 浮きつ沈みつ | rising and sinking |
| Active + passive | 持ちつ持たれつ | helping each other, give and take |
| Active + passive | 抜きつ抜かれつ | overtaking and being overtaken |
| Active + passive | 追いつ追われつ | chasing and being chased, neck and neck |
The expression usually continues in one of these ways:
| Follows with | Example |
|---|---|
| ～する | 行きつ戻りつする |
| ～の + noun | 抜きつ抜かれつのレース |
| ～だ / です | 持ちつ持たれつだ |