Mastering the Versatility of 〜たり〜たりします (tari ~ tari shimasu) in Japanese Grammar

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

こんにちは (Konnichiwa)! Welcome to our extensive guide on the fascinating and versatile Japanese grammar structure 〜たり〜たりします (tari ~ tari shimasu). This delightful expression allows you to list multiple actions or states in a sentence, making your conversations more dynamic and engaging. In this blog, we’ll break down the structure, provide humorous examples with English and Hindi translations, and explain the nuances and exceptions of its usage.

Unpacking 〜たり〜たりします (tari ~ tari shimasu)

Sentence Structure

The structure of 〜たり〜たりします (tari ~ tari shimasu) is simple yet powerful. It consists of:

• Verb (た-form) + り + Verb (た-form) + り + します

Examples with Different Contexts

1. Daily Activities:
   • Example: 週末に映画を見たり、買い物をしたりします。(しゅうまつに えいがを みたり、かいものを したりします。)
   • Pronunciation: शूमात्सु नी एगा ओ मिठारी, काइमोनो ओ शितारी शिमासू। (Shuumatsu ni eiga o mitari, kaimono o shitari shimasu.)
   • English Translation: “On weekends, I watch movies and go shopping.”
   • Humorous Twist: “सप्ताहांत पर फ़िल्में देखता हूँ और शॉपिंग करता हूँ। मम्मी कहती हैं, बस घर पर ही रहो!”
2. Weather Conditions:
   • Example: 天気は雨が降ったり、晴れたりします。(てんきは あめが ふったり、はれたりします。)
   • Pronunciation: तेंकि वा आमे गा फुत्तारी, हरेतारी शिमासू। (Tenki wa ame ga futtari, haretari shimasu.)
   • English Translation: “The weather changes between raining and being sunny.”
   • Humorous Twist: “मौसम बदलता रहता है – कभी बारिश, कभी धूप। मानो, मौसम भी मूड में हो!”
3. Studying and Playing:
   • Example: 子供は勉強したり、遊んだりします。(こどもは べんきょう したり、あそんだり します。)
   • Pronunciation: कोडोमो वा बेंक्यो शितारी, असोंदारी शिमासू। (Kodomo wa benkyou shitari, asondari shimasu.)
   • English Translation: “Children study and play.”
   • Humorous Twist: “बच्चे पढ़ाई भी करते हैं और खेलते भी हैं। मानो, उनका टाइम टेबल मस्त हो!”

Usage and Exceptions

General Usage

• Listing Actions or States: The primary usage of 〜たり〜たりします (tari ~ tari shimasu) is to list multiple actions or states that occur. It provides a sense of variety and can indicate repeated or alternating actions.

Exceptions

While 〜たり〜たりします (tari ~ tari shimasu) is quite flexible, there are a few nuances to keep in mind:

• Not for Completed Actions: This structure is used for ongoing or habitual actions and not for actions that are completed once.
• Formal vs. Informal: In informal speech, you might drop the します (shimasu) and just use たり (tari) for each verb.

Identifying 〜たり〜たりします in a Sentence

Look for the pattern Verb (た-form) + り + Verb (た-form) + り + します, indicating multiple actions or states.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 〜たり〜たりします (tari ~ tari shimasu) is a versatile tool in Japanese grammar that enriches your sentences by allowing you to list multiple actions or states. Whether you are talking about daily routines, changing weather, or children’s activities, this structure adds depth and flexibility to your conversations. So, embrace its versatility, practice with our humorous examples, and make your Japanese language journey more engaging and dynamic!