N5 · Structured courses

～tari～tari Suru: Representative Actions

Learn to list representative actions with tari...tari suru, implying "doing things like X and Y." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn to list representative actions with tari...tari suru, implying "doing things like X and Y."
  • Form and connection: [Verb ta-form] り [Verb ta-form] り する
  • Nuance in real use: Japanese speakers dislike closed lists. Tari...tari suru leaves a window open — you see two or three examples, but know there's more beyond. This openness is a hallmark of Japanese thinking.

Form and connection

[Verb ta-form] り [Verb ta-form] り する

Core Explanation

Learn to list representative actions with tari...tari suru, implying "doing things like X and Y."

Cultural Note

Japanese speakers dislike closed lists. Tari...tari suru leaves a window open — you see two or three examples, but know there's more beyond. This openness is a hallmark of Japanese thinking.

Practical examples

On my days off, I do things like read books and watch movies.
On weekends I do things like shop and cook.
The weather is sometimes hot and sometimes cold.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Verb ta-form] り [Verb ta-form] り する
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerOn my days off, I do things like read books and watch movies.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer天気てんきによって暑あつかったり寒さむかったりします。 ([Verb ta-form] り [Verb ta-form] り する)

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