〜たり〜たり

〜たり〜たり is a verb form expressing do things like ~ and ~. Understanding this conjugation pattern is essential for expanding what you can express in Japanese. Verb forms are the backbone of Japanese grammar — each form unlocks new ways to describe actions, states, and intentions.

This is an intermediate pattern used regularly in everyday Japanese conversation and writing.

When to Use#

• When listing multiple actions as examples (not exhaustive)
• When describing a variety of activities done at various times

When NOT to Use#

• When the meaning is closer to "while doing ~" — use 〜ながら instead
• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 披露宴で笑ったり泣いたりしました。 — At the wedding reception, I laughed and cried.
• 寝る前にヨガをしたり瞑想したりします。 — I do yoga or meditate before bed.
• 時々、本を読んだりテレビを見たりします。 — I sometimes read or watch TV.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Confusing 〜たり〜たり with 〜ながら — While both are related, 〜たり〜たり expresses "do things like ~ and ~" whereas 〜ながら expresses "while doing ~." Pay attention to the specific nuance each pattern conveys.
2. Wrong verb group conjugation — Group 1 and Group 2 verbs conjugate differently. Common pitfall: treating Group 1 verbs ending in る (like 帰る) as Group 2 verbs.

Related Patterns#

• 〜ながら (while doing ~) — Compare