Explanation

The particle つ～つ (tsu~tsu) is a rare and old-fashioned particle that is used to connect two repeating verbs or actions. Its usage is not common in modern Japanese.

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Key Formation

• Verb 1 つ～つ Verb 2

  泣きつ～つ笑う (Cry and laugh)

• Verb 1 つ～つ Verb 2 つ～つ Verb 3

  歩きつ～つ話すつ～つ走る (Walk, talk, and run)

Example Sentences

• 乗っつける

  To get on and attach

  のっつける

  Nottsukeru

  Pronunciation

• 食べついてくる

  To follow and eat

  たべついてくる

  Tabetsuitekuru

  Pronunciation

• 勉強しつつ、遊んでいる。

  I am studying and playing at the same time.

  べんきょうしつつ、あそんでいる。

  Benkyou shitsutsu, asondeiru.

  Pronunciation

• 歩きつつ、話していた。

  I was walking and talking at the same time.

  あるきつつ、はなしていた。

  Arukitsutsu, hanashiteita.

  Pronunciation

Usage Notes

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

Related Grammar, and what's the difference?

• ながら (nagara) - (N4)
  - Both つ～つ (tsu~tsu) and ながら (nagara) are used to express simultaneous actions, but ながら (nagara) is more common in modern Japanese and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• とともに (to tomo ni) - (N2)
  - つ～つ (tsu~tsu) and とともに (to tomo ni) have similar meanings of expressing simultaneous actions, but とともに (to tomo ni) is more commonly used and is considered more formal.
• ながらも (nagaramo) - (N1)
  - ながらも (nagaramo) has a similar meaning to つ～つ (tsu~tsu) and is used to express simultaneous actions. However, ながらも (nagaramo) is more flexible in its usage and can convey additional nuances such as contrast or concession.

Useful Vocabulary that appeared in this page

• * 乗っつける (のっつける)To get on and attachPronunciation
• * 食べついてくる (たべついてくる)To follow and eatPronunciation
• * 勉強 (べんきょう)StudyPronunciation
• * 遊ぶ (あそぶ)PlayPronunciation
• * 歩く (あるく)WalkPronunciation
• * 話す (はなす)TalkPronunciation
• * 走る (はしる)RunPronunciation

Quiz

Which of the following phrases means 'To get on and attach'?

• 乗っつける
• 食べついてくる
• 勉強しつつ、遊んでいる
• 歩きつつ、話していた