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~たり~たりする

B1 particle 11 min de lecture

~たり~たりする

tari tari suru

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces ~たり~たりする en 30 secondes

Explication ~たり~たりする in your Level:

At the A1 level, students are just beginning to connect ideas. While '~たり~たりする' is usually introduced at the A2 or B1 level, A1 learners can understand it as a way to list two basic activities they do often. At this stage, the focus is on recognizing the 'ri' sound at the end of verbs. You might see it in simple sentences like 'I eat and drink' (Tabetari nondari shimasu). The main challenge for A1 learners is the 'Ta-form' conjugation, so they usually learn it as fixed phrases for common activities like 'shopping and eating' or 'reading and listening.' It helps them move away from very short, choppy sentences like 'I read. I watch TV.' into a single, more fluid thought. Even at this basic level, it's important to remember the 'shimasu' at the end to make the sentence polite and complete.

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At the A2 level, learners start to use '~たり~たりする' to describe their weekends or daily routines more naturally. They understand that the order of the actions doesn't matter and that they are just giving examples. A2 students are expected to conjugate 'Group 1', 'Group 2', and 'Irregular' verbs into the Ta-form with reasonable accuracy to form this structure. They also begin to see how it can be used with one 'tari' to mean 'doing things like...'. For example, 'Shuumatsu wa kaimono o shitari shimasu' (On weekends, I do things like shopping). This level also introduces the idea that the final 'suru' can change to 'shimashita' for the past tense. The focus is on practical, everyday activities and ensuring the conjugation is correct.

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At the B1 level, learners should be comfortable using '~たり~たりする' with verbs, i-adjectives, and na-adjectives. This is where the grammar truly opens up. B1 students use it to describe fluctuating states, such as 'The weather is sometimes good and sometimes bad' (Tenki ga yokattari warukattari shimasu) or 'Sometimes it's busy and sometimes it's quiet.' They also start to use it in more complex sentences, such as within a relative clause or as a reason. At B1, the distinction between '~たり' and '~て' (sequential) becomes very important. Learners are expected to choose the correct one based on whether the order of events matters. They also begin to use the structure to express a variety of possibilities in professional or semi-formal settings, such as describing job responsibilities.

At the B2 level, '~たり~たりする' is used with high frequency and precision. Learners use it to describe complex psychological states or nuanced social situations. For example, they might describe a character's conflicting emotions in a story or explain a multifaceted social issue. B2 students also understand the use of 'dattari' with nouns to list examples of categories. They can use the structure in various polite forms (keigo), such as 'shitari itashimasu.' At this level, the focus shifts to the 'flavor' the grammar adds to the sentence—using it to sound less rigid, more descriptive, and more 'Japanese.' They also recognize its use in idiomatic expressions and are able to use it to describe recurring patterns or habits over long periods of time.

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At the C1 level, speakers use '~たり~たりする' to add rhetorical flair and sophisticated description to their speech and writing. They can use it to create a sense of rhythm in their prose, often pairing contrasting verbs or adjectives for dramatic effect. C1 learners are aware of the subtle differences in nuance when using one 'tari' versus two, and they use this to control the level of vagueness or specificity in their communication. They can handle complex nested structures where a 'tari tari' clause might be the subject of a larger sentence. In academic or literary contexts, they recognize and use it to summarize diverse theories or historical events. The grammar is no longer a 'rule' to follow but a tool for nuanced expression.

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At the C2 level, the use of '~たり~たりする' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. It is used effortlessly across all registers, from the most casual slang to the most formal legal or academic documents. C2 speakers can use the structure to express irony, sarcasm, or profound philosophical observations about the changing nature of reality. They are familiar with archaic or highly formal variations of the 'tari' particle and can interpret its use in classical Japanese literature. At this level, the speaker fully grasps the 'non-exhaustive' essence of the grammar, using it to masterfully imply a world of meaning beyond the words explicitly stated. It is used with perfect timing and cultural appropriateness in every context.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

~たり~たりする en 30 secondes

Used to list representative actions or states without being exhaustive.
Formed by adding 'ri' to the Ta-form (past tense) of verbs and adjectives.
Must always end with a form of the verb 'suru' (to do).
Implies that the order of the actions listed does not matter.

The Japanese grammar structure ~たり~たりする (~tari ~tari suru) is a fundamental yet versatile pattern used to list representative actions, states, or characteristics. Unlike the simple sequence marker '~te', which implies a chronological order (first A, then B), tari tari suggests that the listed items are just a few examples out of a larger set of possibilities. It is the linguistic equivalent of saying 'doing things like A and B' in English, where the listener understands that other things might be happening as well. This structure is essential for moving beyond basic sentence construction into more natural, descriptive Japanese, as it allows speakers to summarize their activities or describe fluctuating conditions without needing to list every single detail.

Core Function: To provide non-exhaustive examples of actions or states. It emphasizes that the items mentioned are representative of the whole situation.
Non-Chronological Nature: Unlike the '~te' form, the order of verbs in a tari tari sentence does not necessarily indicate the order in which they happened. You can list them in any order that feels natural.
Inclusivity: It implies there are other actions (C, D, E) that are not being mentioned for the sake of brevity or focus.

週末は本を読んだり、映画を見たりします。
(Shuumatsu wa hon o yundari, eiga o mitari shimasu.)
On weekends, I do things like read books and watch movies.

People use this pattern in a wide variety of contexts, from casual chats about their weekend plans to professional reports describing fluctuating market conditions. For instance, a doctor might use it to describe a patient's symptoms that come and go, or a traveler might use it to describe the diverse activities they enjoyed on vacation. It softens the tone of the sentence by making it less of a rigid checklist and more of a general description. In Japanese culture, where being overly specific can sometimes feel blunt or overwhelming, tari tari provides a polite and efficient way to summarize complex experiences. It is also frequently used with opposite pairs of words to show a state of flux, such as 'going and coming' (ittari kitari) or 'rising and falling' (agattari sagattari).

雨が降ったり、止んたりしています。
(Ame ga futtari, yandari shite imasu.)
It's been raining and stopping (on and off).

Emotional Nuance: Using tari tari can sometimes imply a sense of busyness or a chaotic variety of actions, depending on the context and the verbs chosen.

In summary, ~たり~たりする is your 'go-to' tool for describing a list of activities where the specific order doesn't matter, and where you want to imply that there's more to the story than just what you're saying. It bridges the gap between simple 'A and B' lists and sophisticated, nuanced descriptions of life's many activities.

Mastering the usage of ~たり~たりする requires a solid understanding of the 'Ta-form' (past tense/perfective form) of Japanese verbs and adjectives. The basic rule is to take the Ta-form and attach 'ri' to it. This applies to verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives, and nouns. While it is most commonly seen with two items, you can technically use it with just one item to imply 'doing things like [Action] (among others),' or with three or more items for a very busy description.

Verb Conjugation

Group 1 (U-verbs): 書く (kaku) → 書いた (kaita) → 書いたり (kaitari)
Group 2 (Ru-verbs): 食べる (taberu) → 食べた (tabeta) → 食べたり (tabetari)
Group 3 (Irregular): する (suru) → した (shita) → したり; 来る (kuru) → 来た (kita) → 来たり

Adjective Conjugation

I-adjectives: 寒い (samui) → 寒かった (samukatta) → 寒かったり (samukattari)
Na-adjectives: 賑やか (nigiyaka) → 賑やかだった (nigiyakadatta) → 賑やかだったり (nigiyakadattari)

Noun Conjugation

Noun + だった (datta) + り → 休みだったり (yasumi dattari)

昨日は買い物をしたり、友達に会ったりしました。
(Kinou wa kaimono o shitari, tomodachi ni attari shimashita.)
Yesterday, I did things like shopping and meeting friends.

One of the most important aspects of this grammar is the final する (suru). This verb carries the tense (past, present, future) and the politeness level (desu/masu vs. dictionary form) for the entire sentence. If you are talking about what you did yesterday, the final verb must be しました (shimashita). If you are talking about what you will do tomorrow, it should be します (shimasu). If you are describing a habitual action, します or しています is appropriate.

It is also possible to use tari only once. While the standard textbook pattern is A-tari B-tari suru, using it once (A-tari suru) is very common in spoken Japanese. It implies 'doing things like A' and leaves the other possibilities even more open-ended than the double-tari version. This is particularly useful when you want to give just one example of a behavior or activity without being exhaustive.

電車の中で電話をしたりしないでください。
(Densha no naka de denwa o shitari shinaide kudasai.)
Please don't do things like talking on the phone while on the train.

In formal writing or speech, you might encounter variations of the final verb, such as したりいたします (shitari itashimasu) for extra politeness, or したりすることがあります (shitari suru koto ga arimasu) to express that something 'sometimes happens.' Regardless of the complexity, the core logic of listing representative examples remains the same.

The ~たり~たりする structure is ubiquitous in Japan, appearing in almost every layer of social interaction. Because it is so effective at summarizing and generalizing, it is a staple of both casual conversation and professional communication. You will hear it in the office, on the news, in anime, and in daily household chatter. Its ability to handle multiple parts of speech (verbs, adjectives, nouns) makes it a 'Swiss Army Knife' of Japanese syntax.

Daily Life & Small Talk: When friends ask 'What did you do this weekend?' (Shuumatsu nani shita?), the response almost inevitably involves tari tari. It allows the speaker to give a flavor of their weekend without sounding like they are giving a police report. 'Oh, I just did some cleaning, went to a cafe, that sort of thing' (Souji shitari, kafe ni ittari shita yo).
Weather and Nature: Meteorologists frequently use it to describe unstable weather. 'It will be sunny and cloudy intermittently' (Haretari kumottari deshou). It perfectly captures the flickering nature of weather patterns.
Business and Professionalism: In meetings, it is used to describe project tasks or market trends. 'We are currently conducting research and interviewing clients' (Chousa o shitari, kuraianto ni intabyuu shitari shite imasu). It sounds more professional and comprehensive than using 'to' or '~te'.

最近は忙しかったり、暇だったり、波があります。
(Saikin wa isogashikattari, hima dattari, nami ga arimasu.)
Lately, I've been busy then free; there are waves (of activity).

In media, you'll find it in song lyrics to describe the ups and downs of love or life, often paired as 'laughing and crying' (warattari naitari). In instructional manuals or signs, it's used to forbid a range of behaviors: 'Do not run or jump in the hallways' (Rouka de hashittari tondari shinai koto). It is also very common in 'vlogs' or social media captions where influencers describe their day in a breezy, non-linear fashion.

Another interesting place you'll hear it is in psychological or medical contexts. Because tari tari can describe fluctuating states, it's used to talk about moods: 'My feelings go back and forth' (Kimochi ga ittari kitari suru). It conveys a sense of instability or movement that other structures can't quite match. Whether you're watching a drama where a character is conflicted or reading a news report about fluctuating stock prices, tari tari is the engine of description.

While the ~たり~たりする structure is logical, English speakers often fall into a few specific traps. These mistakes usually stem from a misunderstanding of Japanese verb conjugation or a direct translation from English 'and' patterns. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound much more like a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Final 'Suru': This is the most common error. Students often say 'Hon o yundari, eiga o mitari.' and just stop. In Japanese, a sentence cannot end with 'ri'. You must add 'suru' (or 'shimasu', 'shimashita', etc.) to ground the sentence in time and politeness.
Mistake 2: Using the Wrong Base: Some learners try to attach 'ri' to the dictionary form (e.g., 'Taberuri') or the masu-stem (e.g., 'Taberiri'). It must be the Ta-form. If you haven't mastered Ta-form conjugations yet, tari tari will be very difficult to use correctly.
Mistake 3: Implied Chronology: Do not use tari tari if the order of actions is strictly fixed and important (like a recipe). If you say 'Vegetables o kittari, nabetari shimasu' (Cut vegetables and boil them), it sounds like you might be boiling them first and then cutting them, or doing them at the same time. For strict sequences, use '~te kara'.

❌ 昨日は本を読んだり、テレビを見たり。
✅ 昨日は本を読んだり、テレビを見たりしました。
(Don't forget the 'shimashita' for past tense!)

Another mistake involves the use of 'ri' with adjectives. Learners often forget the 'katta' part of i-adjectives. For example, for 'samui' (cold), you must use 'samukattari,' not 'samuitari.' Similarly, for na-adjectives and nouns, you must use 'dattari.' Leaving out these markers makes the sentence sound childish or broken.

Finally, be careful not to over-use tari tari. If you are listing ten things, don't use ten 'taris'. It becomes a tongue-twister and sounds repetitive. Stick to two or three representative examples and let the tari tari structure do the heavy lifting of implying the rest. If you need to list everything, use 'A to B to C...' or the '~te' form for a sequence.

In Japanese, there are several ways to connect actions and nouns, and choosing the right one depends on whether you want to be exhaustive, sequential, or illustrative. ~たり~たりする is unique because it is illustrative and non-sequential. Let's compare it with other common connectors.

~て (~te Form): Usage: Sequential or causal.
Difference: '~te' implies that Action A happened then Action B happened. It is often an exhaustive list of the main actions. Tari tari implies Action A and Action B happened among other things, and the order doesn't matter.
~し (~shi): Usage: Listing reasons or qualities.
Difference: '~shi' is usually used to build an argument or give multiple reasons for a conclusion (e.g., 'It's cheap, and it's close, so I like this shop'). Tari tari is more about describing activities or states without necessarily leading to a 'so...'.
~や (~ya) and ~とか (~toka): Usage: Listing nouns (non-exhaustive).
Difference: '~ya' and '~toka' are used specifically for nouns. While tari tari can be used with nouns (by adding 'dattari'), it is primarily the dominant way to list non-exhaustive actions (verbs).

Comparison Example:
1. 映画を見て、買い物をしました。 (I watched a movie, then went shopping.)
2. 映画を見たり、買い物をしたりしました。 (I did things like watch movies and go shopping.)

When should you choose tari tari over the others? Use it when you want to sound more casual, descriptive, or when you are describing a state of change. For example, to say 'sometimes I'm happy, sometimes I'm sad,' tari tari is the only natural choice because it captures the fluctuation (ureshikattari kanashikattari). Using '~te' would imply you were happy and then became sad in a specific sequence.

In summary, while '~te' is for 'this then that,' and '~shi' is for 'this and also that (reasons),' tari tari is for 'this and that (examples).' Understanding this distinction is key to achieving B1 level fluency and beyond. It allows you to describe the 'texture' of your life and experiences rather than just providing a dry list of facts.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In Classical Japanese, '~tari' was actually a verb ending that indicated a completed action or a continuing state, similar to modern '~te iru'. Its use as a listing particle is a later development.

Guide de prononciation

UK tari tari suru

US tɑri tɑri suru

Japanese is a pitch-accent language, but for 'tari tari suru', the pitch is generally flat with a slight drop at the end of each 'ri'.

Rime avec

Bakari Hikari Tonari Amari Yappari Shikkari Ukkari Sappari

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ri' like the English 'ree' with a strong 'r'.
Stress-accenting the first syllable (TA-ri).
Failing to devoice the 'u' in 'shimasu'.
Pronouncing 'ta' like 'tay'.
Stopping after the second 'tari' without the 'suru' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize the 'ri' pattern, but requires knowledge of Kanji for the verbs.

Écriture 4/5

Challenging because you must conjugate into Ta-form correctly for every item.

Expression orale 4/5

Requires on-the-fly conjugation. Forgetting the final 'suru' is a common spoken error.

Écoute 2/5

The repetitive 'ri' sound is very distinctive and easy to catch.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

する (to do) ~た (past tense form) ~て (sequential form) ~と (and - nouns) ~や (and - examples)

Apprends ensuite

~し (listing reasons) ~ながら (simultaneous actions) ~とか (informal listing) ~ばかり (only/just) ~どころか (far from)

Avancé

~なり~なり ~だの~だの ~つ~つ (literary pair) ~まじき (archaic) ~んばかりに

Grammaire à connaître

Ta-form Conjugation

行く -> 行った, 食べる -> 食べた

Adjective Past Tense

寒い -> 寒かった, 静か -> 静かだった

Politeness Levels of 'Suru'

する, します, した, しました, している

Noun + Dattari

雨だったり、晴れだったりします。

One-tari usage

お茶を飲んだりしませんか？

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Exemples par niveau

週末は本を読んだり、テレビを見たりします。

On weekends, I read books and watch TV (among other things).

Simple verb conjugation: yomu -> yunda + ri; miru -> mita + ri.

昨日はパンを食べたり、コーヒーを飲んだりしました。

Yesterday, I ate bread and drank coffee (among other things).

Past tense: shimashita.

休みの日、買い物をしたりします。

On my days off, I do things like shopping.

Using only one 'tari' for a single example.

音楽を聞いたり、ダンスをしたりしました。

I listened to music and danced.

Focus on Group 3 verb 'suru' -> 'shitari'.

公園で走ったり、遊んだりします。

In the park, I run and play.

Listing physical activities.

日本料理を食べたり、写真を撮ったりしたいです。

I want to eat Japanese food and take photos.

Combining with '~tai' (want to).

手紙を書いたり、電話をしたりしました。

I wrote letters and made phone calls.

Listing communication methods.

朝、顔を洗ったり、歯を磨いたりします。

In the morning, I wash my face and brush my teeth.

Daily routine examples.

昨日のパーティーでは、歌ったり踊ったりして、楽しかったです。

At yesterday's party, we sang and danced and had a good time.

Using 'tari' to describe the atmosphere of an event.

図書館では静かにしたり、走ったりしないでください。

Please don't do things like making noise or running in the library.

Negative command with 'shinai de kudasai'.

日曜日は掃除をしたり洗濯をしたりして、忙しいです。

Sundays are busy with things like cleaning and laundry.

Linking the 'tari' clause to an adjective 'isogashii'.

北海道でスキーをしたり、温泉に入ったりしました。

In Hokkaido, I did things like skiing and going to hot springs.

Travel descriptions.

暇な時、ゲームをしたり漫画を読んだりします。

When I'm free, I play games and read manga.

Describing hobbies.

料理を作ったり、皿を洗ったりするのは大変です。

Doing things like cooking and washing dishes is hard.

Using the clause as a noun with 'no wa'.

デパートへ行って、服を見たり靴を買ったりしました。

I went to the department store and looked at clothes and bought shoes.

Combining '~te' (sequence) with '~tari' (examples).

映画を見に行ったり、友達の家へ行ったりするのが好きです。

I like doing things like going to see movies or going to friends' houses.

Expressing preferences.

最近の天気は、暑かったり寒かったりして、体調を崩しやすいです。

The weather lately is hot and cold, so it's easy to get sick.

Using i-adjectives: atsukatta + ri, samukatta + ri.

仕事は忙しかったり暇だったりしますが、やりがいがあります。

Work is sometimes busy and sometimes slow, but it's rewarding.

Mixing i-adjective and na-adjective/noun forms.

将来について考えたり、悩んだりすることがあります。

There are times when I think about or worry about the future.

Using '~tari suru koto ga aru' for 'sometimes happens'.

このレストランは、美味しかったりそうでもなかったり、味が不安定です。

This restaurant's food is sometimes delicious and sometimes not; the taste is inconsistent.

Describing inconsistency with adjectives.

電車が遅れたり止まったりして、会社に遅刻しました。

The train was delayed and stopped, so I was late for work.

Listing reasons for a consequence.

大学では経済を学んだり、サークル活動をしたりしています。

At university, I study economics and participate in club activities.

Describing ongoing activities (shite imasu).

子供が泣いたり笑ったりするのを見ていると、飽きません。

Watching a child cry and laugh, I never get bored.

Using contrasting verbs.

週末は家でゆっくりしたり、たまに遠出したりします。

On weekends, I relax at home or sometimes go on long trips.

Contrasting 'relaxing' with 'going out'.

株価が上がったり下がったりして、投資家は一喜一憂しています。

Stock prices are going up and down, and investors are swinging between joy and sorrow.

Describing market fluctuations with opposite verbs.

彼の話は本当だったり嘘だったりするので、信用できません。

His stories are sometimes true and sometimes lies, so I can't trust him.

Using 'dattari' with nouns to show inconsistency.

新しい環境では、期待したり不安になったり、複雑な気持ちになります。

In a new environment, I feel a complex mix of expectation and anxiety.

Describing psychological states.

このアプリは、動いたり動かなかったりして、非常に不安定です。

This app sometimes works and sometimes doesn't; it's very unstable.

Describing technical malfunctions.

政治の世界は、味方だった人が敵になったり、その逆だったりします。

In the world of politics, allies become enemies and vice versa.

Describing shifting social dynamics.

会議では意見がぶつかったり、まとまったり、熱い議論が交わされました。

In the meeting, opinions clashed and then came together; a heated discussion took place.

Describing the flow of a discussion.

人生、山あり谷ありで、いいことがあったり悪いことがあったりするものです。

Life has its ups and downs; good things and bad things happen.

Philosophical observation using 'tari tari'.

有名になると、プライバシーがなくなったり、批判されたりするリスクがあります。

When you become famous, there are risks like losing privacy or being criticized.

Listing potential risks or downsides.

その作家の文体は、緻密だったり奔放だったり、作品によって様相を異にする。

That author's style varies from meticulous to uninhibited depending on the work.

Literary description of style and variation.

現代社会において、情報は溢れたり枯渇したり、その価値が激しく変動する。

In modern society, information overflows or dries up, and its value fluctuates violently.

Abstract socio-economic observation.

人の心は、強かったり脆かったり、非常に捉えどころのないものである。

The human heart is strong and yet fragile, making it extremely elusive.

Philosophical description of human nature.

都市の景観は、歴史的な建物が残っていたり、最新のビルが建っていたり、新旧が混在している。

The cityscape is a mix of old and new, with historical buildings remaining and modern skyscrapers rising.

Describing complex visual environments.

法解釈は、時代によって厳格だったり寛容だったり、常に変化を遂げてきた。

Legal interpretation has constantly evolved, being strict or lenient depending on the era.

Academic description of legal evolution.

科学の進歩は、人類に恩恵をもたらしたり、脅威となったり、両義的な側面を持つ。

Scientific progress has an ambivalent nature, bringing benefits to humanity while also posing threats.

Discussing dualistic concepts.

彼女の表情は、慈愛に満ちていたり、冷徹だったり、千変万化する。

Her expression changes in a thousand ways, sometimes full of affection, sometimes cold and calculating.

Nuanced character description.

経営戦略は、攻めたり守ったり、市場の動向を見極める洞察力が求められる。

Management strategy requires the insight to discern market trends, knowing when to attack and when to defend.

Professional advice on strategy.

宇宙の真理は、解明されたり、さらなる謎を呼んだり、我々の想像を絶する深淵を湛えている。

The truths of the universe are both elucidated and yet give rise to further mysteries, possessing a depth beyond our imagination.

Metaphysical exploration of scientific truth.

権力というものは、人々を陶酔させたり、破滅に導いたり、魔的な力学を孕んでいる。

Power possesses a demonic dynamic, capable of both intoxicating people and leading them to ruin.

Sociopolitical commentary on the nature of power.

芸術作品は、時代に阿ったり、逆に激しく抵抗したりしながら、その生命を永らえていく。

Works of art sustain their lives by either pandering to the times or fiercely resisting them.

Artistic theory and historical persistence.

言語は、意思疎通の道具であったり、思考の檻であったり、その存在形態は多義的である。

Language is polysemous in its form of existence, serving as both a tool for communication and a cage for thought.

Linguistic philosophy.

歴史は、繰り返されたり、予期せぬ転換を迎えたり、単なる線的な進行ではない。

History is not a mere linear progression; it repeats itself and reaches unexpected turning points.

Historiographical analysis.

意識は、覚醒していたり、深層心理に沈潜していたり、絶え間なく流動している。

Consciousness is in a state of constant flux, sometimes awake and sometimes submerged in the subconscious.

Psychological/Philosophical discourse.

文明の興亡は、繁栄を極めたり、跡形もなく消え去ったり、諸行無常の理を体現している。

The rise and fall of civilizations embody the principle of impermanence, reaching the heights of prosperity only to vanish without a trace.

Cultural and spiritual commentary.

真実は、光り輝いたり、闇に葬られたり、見る者の立ち位置によってその姿を変える。

The truth shines brightly or is buried in darkness, changing its form depending on the observer's position.

Epistemological observation.

Collocations courantes

行ったり来たりする

上がったり下がったりする

泣いたり笑ったりする

食べたり飲んだりする

見たり聞いたりする

読んだり書いたりする

忙しかったり暇だったりする

晴れたり曇ったりする

出たり入ったりする

増えたり減ったりする

Phrases Courantes

本を読んだりします

— I do things like reading books. Used as a polite way to answer 'What are your hobbies?'

趣味は、本を読んだりすることです。

掃除したり洗濯したり

— Cleaning and laundry and so on. A classic way to describe household chores.

今日は掃除したり洗濯したりで一日が終わりました。

行ったり来たり

— Going back and forth. Can refer to physical movement or mental indecision.

考えが右へ行ったり左へ行ったりしています。

寝たり起きたりの生活

— A lifestyle of just sleeping and waking up. Often used when someone is sick or lazy.

風邪で三日間、寝たり起きたりの生活でした。

遊んだり勉強したり

— Playing and studying. Describes a balanced (or unbalanced) student life.

大学時代はよく遊んだり勉強したりしました。

言ったり言わなかったり

— Sometimes saying it, sometimes not. Describes inconsistent communication.

彼は本当のことを言ったり言わなかったりします。

あったりなかったり

— Sometimes there, sometimes not. Used for availability or existence.

やる気はあったりなかったりします。

見たり見なかったり

— Sometimes watching, sometimes not. Often used for TV shows or news.

そのドラマは、見たり見なかったりです。

良かったり悪かったり

— Sometimes good, sometimes bad. Used for health, weather, or performance.

最近、体調は良かったり悪かったりです。

分かったり分からなかったり

— Sometimes understanding, sometimes not. Common for language learners.

ニュースを聞いても、分かったり分からなかったりします。

Souvent confondu avec

~たり~たりする vs ~て

English speakers use ~te for everything. Remember: ~te is a sequence (1 then 2), ~tari is a sample (1 and 2 and others).

~たり~たりする vs ~し

~shi is for listing reasons. ~tari is for listing actions/states as examples.

~たり~たりする vs ~とか

~toka is mostly for nouns in casual speech. ~tari is the proper way to handle verbs and adjectives.

Expressions idiomatiques

"一喜一憂したりする"

— To swing between joy and sorrow. Used when someone is overly affected by small changes.

試験の結果に一喜一憂したりしてはいけない。

Neutral

"二転三転したりする"

— To change repeatedly. Used for plans, stories, or situations that keep shifting.

計画が二転三転したりして、混乱した。

Neutral

"紆余曲折あったりする"

— To have many twists and turns. Used for a long, complicated process.

完成までには紆余曲折あったりしました。

Formal

"取っ替え引っ替えしたりする"

— To change things one after another. Often used for clothes or partners.

服を取っ替え引っ替えしたりして選んでいる。

Informal

"ああだこうだ言ったりする"

— To say this and that. Usually refers to complaining or making excuses.

ああだこうだ言ったりして、何もしない。

Informal

"付かず離れずだったりする"

— Keeping a certain distance. Neither too close nor too far.

彼らとは付かず離れずだったりする関係だ。

Neutral

"つかず離れずだったりする"

— To be in a state of keeping a respectful distance.

二人の仲はつかず離れずだったりします。

Neutral

"右往左往したりする"

— To run around in confusion. Going left and right without knowing what to do.

突然のニュースに右往左往したりしました。

Neutral

"試行錯誤したりする"

— Trial and error. Trying different things to find a solution.

新しいレシピを試行錯誤したりしています。

Neutral

"一進一退したりする"

— Ebbing and flowing. Taking one step forward and one step back.

病状は一進一退したりしています。

Formal

Facile à confondre

~たり~たりする vs だの

Both list things.

'Dano' has a negative, complaining nuance. 'Tari' is neutral.

暑いだの寒いだの言わないで！ vs 暑かったり寒かったりしますね。

~たり~たりする vs なり

Both list options.

'Nari' is for choosing between options (A or B). 'Tari' is for giving examples (A and B).

食べるなり飲むなりして。 vs 食べたり飲んだりしています。

~たり~たりする vs やら

Both list things non-exhaustively.

'Yara' often implies a sense of confusion or being overwhelmed by many things.

仕事やら家事やらで忙しい。

~たり~たりする vs だり

Sometimes 'tari' becomes 'dari'.

This isn't a different word, but a phonological change for certain verbs (like 'yomu' -> 'yundari').

読んだり (yundari) vs 書いたり (kaitari).

~たり~たりする vs つつ

Both involve multiple actions.

'Tsutsu' is formal for 'while' (simultaneous). 'Tari' is for separate examples.

将来を考えつつ、勉強する。

Structures de phrases

V1-tari, V2-tari shimasu.

本を読んだり、テレビを見たりします。

V1-tari, V2-tari shimashita.

昨日は買い物をしたり、散歩したりしました。

Adj1-kattari, Adj2-kattari shimasu.

この店は、高かったり安かったりします。

Noun1-dattari, Noun2-dattari shimasu.

休みは土曜日だったり、日曜日だったりします。

V-tari suru koto ga arimasu.

たまに一人で旅行したりすることがあります。

V-tari, V-tari suru no wa ~ da.

泣いたり笑ったりするのは、人間らしいことだ。

V-tari, V-tari to, [Description].

押したり引いたりと、激しい攻防が続いた。

V-tari shinaide kudasai.

ここで写真を撮ったりしないでください。

Famille de mots

Noms

~たり (The particle itself is the root marker)

Verbes

する (The auxiliary verb that completes the pattern)

Apparenté

~だの (Similar listing but more complaining)

~なり (Formal alternative for options)

~とか (Informal noun/verb listing)

~や (Noun listing)

~て (Sequential connector)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely High. It is one of the top 20 grammar patterns used in daily Japanese.

Erreurs courantes

昨日は本を読んだり、テレビを見たり。 → 昨日は本を読んだり、テレビを見たりしました。
You cannot end a sentence with 'ri'. You must add a form of 'suru' (like 'shimashita') to complete the grammar and indicate the tense.
朝ごはんを食べてり、コーヒーを飲んでりします。 → 朝ごはんを食べたり、コーヒーを飲んだりします。
The base must be the Ta-form (tabeta, nonda), not the Te-form (tabete, nonde). Attach 'ri' to the past tense base.
天気は寒いたり暑いたりします。 → 天気は寒かったり暑かったりします。
For i-adjectives, you must use the past tense 'kattari' (samukattari), not just attach 'ri' to the dictionary form.
野菜を切ったり、鍋に入れたりします。 → 野菜を切って、鍋に入れます。
Don't use 'tari' for a strict sequence (cut then put in pot). Use the '~te' form for chronological steps.
休みは月曜日たり火曜日たりします。 → 休みは月曜日だったり火曜日だったりします。
For nouns, you must add 'dattari' (the past tense of 'da' + 'ri'). You cannot attach 'ri' directly to a noun.

Astuces

The Ta-Form Key

If you struggle with this pattern, go back and review your Ta-form (past tense) conjugations. Since 'tari' is just 'ta' + 'ri', mastering the base is 90% of the work.

Don't be too specific

Use 'tari tari' when you want to sound relaxed. If you list every single thing you did with '~te', you might sound like you're bragging or being too detailed. 'Tari' is the key to humble small talk.

The 'Suru' Anchor

Think of 'suru' as the anchor of your sentence. No matter how many 'taris' you say, you must drop the anchor at the end to stop the sentence from drifting away.

Vary your verbs

When using 'tari tari', try to pick two verbs that represent different aspects of an experience (e.g., 'eating' and 'walking' for a trip) to give a well-rounded picture.

Listen for 'Dari'

Remember that 'tari' becomes 'dari' after certain sounds. Don't let 'yundari' or 'asondari' confuse you; they are the same 'tari' pattern!

Opposite Pairs

Learn common opposite pairs like 'ittari kitari' (back and forth) or 'haretari kumottari' (sunny/cloudy). They are used so often they feel like single vocabulary words.

Polite Invitations

Use 'V-tari shimasen ka?' to make an invitation sound softer. It implies 'Would you like to do things like [Action]?' which is less pressuring than a direct 'Will you do [Action]?'

No Chronology

Never use 'tari' for a sequence of events where the order matters. Use '~te' for 'First A, then B'. Use 'tari' for 'A and B in no particular order'.

State of Flux

When you use 'tari' with adjectives, you are describing a state that changes. It's the best way to say something is 'inconsistent' or 'unstable'.

Single Tari for Nuance

Try using just one 'tari' in a sentence to imply that there are many other possibilities you aren't mentioning. It's a very 'native' way to speak.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Tari' as 'TA-form + RI'. The 'RI' stands for 'Representative Item'. So, TA-RI means 'A representative item that happened'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a shopping bag with only two items poking out (a book and a bottle). The bag represents all your activities, but you only show the 'tari' items to represent the whole bag.

Word Web

Verbs Adjectives Nouns Examples Non-exhaustive Fluctuation Suru Ta-form

Défi

Try to describe your entire day using only three 'tari' sentences. Make sure one uses a verb, one an i-adjective, and one a na-adjective.

Origine du mot

The 'tari' particle evolved from the classical Japanese 'te-ari' (doing and being). Over centuries, 'te-ari' contracted into 'tari'.

Sens originel : The original meaning was a state of being after an action was completed (perfective state).

Japonic

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use '~tari' for very formal instructions where precision is required, as it can sound too vague.

English speakers often feel the need to say 'and' (to) or use a strict timeline. Learning 'tari' helps them adopt a more Japanese 'sampling' style of description.

The song 'Warattari Naitari' (Laughing and Crying) is a common trope in J-Pop. Weather forecasts on NHK almost always use 'haretari kumottari'. Classic literature often uses 'tari' to describe the chaotic nature of battle or festivals.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Talking about your weekend

買い物をしたりしました。
ゆっくりしたりしました。
友達に会ったりしました。
掃除をしたりしました。

Describing weather

降ったり止んだりです。
晴れたり曇ったりです。
暑かったり寒かったりです。
風が吹いたりします。

Explaining work duties

メールを書いたりします。
会議に出たりします。
電話をしたりします。
資料を作ったりします。

Describing feelings

嬉しかったり悲しかったりします。
不安だったり楽しみだったりします。
イライラしたりします。
やる気があったりなかったりします。

Giving advice/warnings

騒いだりしないでください。
走ったりすると危ないですよ。
食べたり飲んだりしましょう。
本を読んだりしたらどうですか？

Amorces de conversation

"週末は何をしたりするのが好きですか？ (What do you like to do on weekends?)"

"最近、忙しかったりしますか？ (Have you been busy lately?)"

"日本に来て、どんなものを食べたりしましたか？ (What kind of things have you eaten since coming to Japan?)"

"暇な時は、どんなことをしたりして過ごしますか？ (How do you spend your free time?)"

"仕事で一番大変だったりするのはどんな時ですか？ (When are the most difficult times at work?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日の出来事を「~たり~たり」を使って3つ書いてください。 (Write three things about today using ~tari ~tari.)

あなたの理想の休日について、何をするか例を挙げて説明してください。 (Describe your ideal holiday with examples.)

最近の自分の気分を、形容詞の「~たり~たり」を使って表現してください。 (Express your recent moods using adjective ~tari ~tari.)

子供の頃、学校でどんなことをしたりするのが好きでしたか？ (What did you like to do at school when you were a child?)

将来、日本でどんなことをしたり、どこへ行ったりしたいですか？ (What do you want to do or where do you want to go in Japan in the future?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes! Using one '~tari' is very common. It means 'doing things like [Action].' It makes the sentence sound less definitive and more like you're just giving one example. For example, 'Kaimono o shitari shimasu' means 'I do things like shopping (and other things).'

This follows the same rules as the past tense 'ta' vs 'da'. If the verb's dictionary form ends in 'bu', 'mu', 'nu', or 'gu', the 'tari' changes to 'dari'. For example, 'yomu' (read) becomes 'yundari', and 'oyogu' (swim) becomes 'oyogidari'.

Generally, no. If the order is important, use the '~te' form. '~tari' implies that the order doesn't matter or that the actions happened at various times. If you say you 'cut and ate' using '~tari', it sounds like you might have eaten first!

It is grammatically correct, but it can sound a bit cluttered or 'busy'. Usually, two examples are enough to give the listener the right idea. If you use too many, it sounds like a long, repetitive list.

To use it with nouns, add 'dattari'. For example, 'Yasumi wa doyoubi dattari nichiyoubi dattari shimasu' (My days off are sometimes Saturdays and sometimes Sundays).

No, it can be any form of 'suru'. You can use 'suru' (dictionary), 'shimashita' (past), 'shite iru' (ongoing), 'shitai' (want to), or even 'shinaide' (don't). The final verb determines the mood and tense of the whole sentence.

'~toka' is much more casual and is often used for nouns. '~tari' is the standard grammar for listing actions (verbs) and is appropriate in both casual and polite situations. In formal writing, always prefer '~tari' for verbs.

Yes, but it's less common. You would use the negative past form: 'nakattari'. For example, 'tabenakattari shimasu' (I do things like not eating). It's usually used to describe inconsistent habits.

Yes, very much so. It's used to describe project phases, job duties, or market trends. It sounds professional because it shows you are summarizing a complex situation rather than just listing simple tasks.

In very casual speech, people sometimes trail off after the last 'tari' (e.g., 'Kaimono shitari...'), but it sounds incomplete. In almost all cases, you should include 'suru' or at least 'shite' to be clear.

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