JLPT N1 Grammar: つ～つ (tsu~tsu)

つ～つ (tsu~tsu)

Meaning: indicates two contrasting actions; two contrasting actions

How to use the:  V1ますつ + V2ますつ

Explain:
Repeatedly describe the opposite action

Example sentences:
1, 彼に会おうか会うまいかと悩んで、家の前を行きつ戻りつしていた。
Kare ni aou ka aumai ka to nayande,-ka no mae o yukitsu modoritsu shite ita.
I was wondering if I should go see him or not, so I kept pacing back and forth in front of the house.

2, お互い持ちつ持たれつで、助け合いましょう。
Otagai mochitsu motaretsu de, tasukeaimashou.
Let’s help each other and support each other.

3, 久しぶりに友人とさしつさされつ酒を飲んで何時間もしゃべった。
Hisashiburini yūjin to sashitsu sasaretsu sake o nonde nan-jikan mo shabetta.
After a long time, I had a drink with a friend and talked for hours.

4, ゆっくり二人で、差しつ差されつ朝まで飲みましょう。
yukkuri futari de, sashitsu sasaretsu asa made nomimashou.
Let’s exchange sake cups and drink until morning.