N5Te-form Patterns

〜たり〜たりする

Q: Is "Forgetting する at the end of the たり chain" correct?

No. The correct form is "Add する at the end of the たり chain". This is a common mistake when using the たり pattern. Without する, the sentence may sound incomplete or awkward.

Q: Is "Using te-form instead of past form before り" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the past form of the verb before り". Using the te-form instead of the past form before り can change the meaning of the sentence. The past form is used to describe completed actions, while the te-form is used to describe ongoing or incomplete actions.

Q: Is "Using たり pattern with a complete list of actions" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the たり pattern with a non-exhaustive list of actions". The たり pattern is used to list actions in a non-exhaustive way, implying that the listed actions are examples, not a complete list. Using the pattern with a complete list of actions can make the sentence sound unnatural or awkward.

Do things like... and...

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "〜たり〜たりする" is used to list actions in a non-exhaustive way, implying that the listed actions are examples, not a complete list. It is often used in informal situations to describe what someone did or will do. The pattern can be translated to "Do things like... and...". It is commonly used in daily conversations, such as describing weekend activities or things to do on a day off.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Past form of verb	Verb + り	食べ
Past form of verb	Verb + り	買う
する	Past form + り + する	する

Examples

Example Sentences

週末は音楽を聞き、映画を観ます。

Shūmatsu wa ongaku o kikiki, eiga o mimi masu.

On the weekend, I listen to music and watch movies.

週末は音楽を聞き、映画を観ます。 (On the weekend, I listen to music and watch movies.)

休みの日は買い物をします、友達に電話をします。

Kyūjin no hi wa kaimono o shimasu, tomodachi ni denwa o shimasu.

On my day off, I go shopping and call my friends.

休みの日は買い物をします、友達に電話をします。 (On my day off, I go shopping and call my friends.)

昨日は買い物をして、友達に会いました。

Kinō wa kaimono o shite, tomodachi ni aimashita.

Yesterday, I went shopping and met my friends.

昨日は買い物をして、友達に会いました。 (Yesterday, I went shopping and met my friends.)

週末は旅行を計画し、友達に連絡をします。

Shūmatsu wa ryokō o keikaku shi, tomodachi ni renraku o shimasu.

On the weekend, I plan a trip and contact my friends.

週末は旅行を計画し、友達に連絡をします。 (On the weekend, I plan a trip and contact my friends.)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used in informal situations to describe what someone did or will do. It is often used in daily conversations, such as describing weekend activities or things to do on a day off. The pattern can be used to list actions in a non-exhaustive way, implying that the listed actions are examples, not a complete list.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Forgetting する at the end of the たり chain

Add する at the end of the たり chain

This is a common mistake when using the たり pattern. Without する, the sentence may sound incomplete or awkward.

Using te-form instead of past form before り

Use the past form of the verb before り

Using the te-form instead of the past form before り can change the meaning of the sentence. The past form is used to describe completed actions, while the te-form is used to describe ongoing or incomplete actions.

Using たり pattern with a complete list of actions

Use the たり pattern with a non-exhaustive list of actions

The たり pattern is used to list actions in a non-exhaustive way, implying that the listed actions are examples, not a complete list. Using the pattern with a complete list of actions can make the sentence sound unnatural or awkward.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using the たり pattern in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the context and the meaning of the sentence. Make sure to add する at the end of the たり chain and use the past form of the verb before り. Also, be careful not to use the たり pattern with a complete list of actions.

In context