Understanding 〜たり〜たりする in Real Japanese Conversations

“How do you say ‘I did things like eating and watching TV’ in Japanese?”
“What’s the Japanese grammar for listing multiple actions naturally?”
“How can I say I did something ‘and so on’ in Japanese?”

If you’ve ever wondered these things, you’re in the right place.

In Japanese, the grammar structure 〜たり〜たりする is a simple yet powerful way to list multiple actions, express examples, or show casual repetition. It’s often used in everyday conversations, TV shows, anime, and even business settings. Whether you’re a complete beginner or brushing up as an intermediate learner, mastering 〜たり〜たりする will make your Japanese sound more natural, flexible, and fluent.

Understanding this grammar unlocks smoother conversations like:

• “On the weekend, I watched movies and went shopping.”
• “I sometimes drink tea and read a book to relax.”
• “She did things like sing and dance at the party.”

All of these examples use 〜たり〜たりする in Japanese. But why is it so common? Because this grammar lets you list multiple actions without sounding robotic or forced. It’s the Japanese way of saying “things like…” or “did this and that.”

According to Tae Kim’s Japanese Grammar Guide, this pattern is especially useful for describing non-exhaustive lists of actions or states, making it perfect for casual storytelling, habits, and describing varied experiences.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about 〜たり〜たりする—step by step. From real-world examples to conjugation rules and practice exercises, you’ll learn how to understand and use this grammar like a native speaker.

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What Is the 〜たり〜たりする Grammar Structure? Explanation and Overview

What does 〜たり〜たりする mean in Japanese?

The Japanese grammar pattern 〜たり〜たりする is used to:

• List multiple actions or states in a non-exhaustive way
• Express examples of what someone did or experienced
• Describe repetitive or occasional actions

In short, it’s how you say “do things like A and B,” or “do this and that” in Japanese.

“〜たり〜たりする is how you say ‘do things like eat and sleep’ in Japanese.”
“Use 〜たり〜たりする when listing actions in a casual, natural way.”

Breaking it Down: What Does Each Part Mean?

Let’s take an example to understand this better:

週末は映画を見たり、買い物に行ったりしました。
Shūmatsu wa eiga o mitari, kaimono ni ittari shimashita.
“I did things like watch a movie and go shopping on the weekend.”

Here’s what’s happening:

• 見たり = watched (movie)
• 行ったり = went (shopping)
• しました = did (them)

This grammar follows a “Verb (past tense) + り + Verb (past tense) + り + する” structure.

✅ The verbs go into the past tense (た-form) even if the sentence is in present or future.
✅ You only need one する at the end (or します, した, etc., based on politeness/tense).

Key Meanings of 〜たり〜たりする:

Usage	Meaning	English Equivalent
Listing Actions	Doing things like A and B	“Eat and drink,” “Sing and dance”
Giving Examples	Some of the things I did	“Things like studying and sleeping”
Casual/Non-Exhaustive Lists	Not a complete list	“Did this and that”
Repetition or Alternating Actions	Back and forth between A and B	“Walking and resting”

Why Do Japanese People Use This Structure?

• To soften the sentence and sound more polite
• To show variety in actions
• To keep it natural and casual
• To avoid sounding like they’re listing a complete or fixed sequence

🎌 Native Insight: In Japanese, being indirect or softening your speech is culturally appreciated. Instead of listing everything rigidly, 〜たり〜たりする offers flexibility and nuance.

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Everyday Sentences Using the 〜たり〜たりする Grammar: 10 Common Examples

Want to sound more like a native speaker? The grammar pattern 〜たり〜たりする is your go-to for natural, everyday conversations in Japanese. It helps you talk about a mix of activities, examples, or on-and-off actions without sounding stiff or overly formal.

Below are 10 common sentences you might hear in daily life. Each one uses the 〜たり〜たりする form and includes romaji and English translation for clarity.

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🔟 Real-Life Examples:

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1. 日曜日は寝たり、本を読んだりします。
Nichiyōbi wa netari, hon o yondari shimasu.
I sleep and read books on Sundays.

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2. 彼は学校で歌ったり、踊ったりします。
Kare wa gakkō de utattari, odottari shimasu.
He sings and dances at school.

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3. 週末は買い物をしたり、映画を見たりします。
Shūmatsu wa kaimono o shitari, eiga o mitari shimasu.
I go shopping and watch movies on the weekend.

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4. 雨の日は家でゲームをしたり、テレビを見たりします。
Ame no hi wa ie de gēmu o shitari, terebi o mitari shimasu.
On rainy days, I play games and watch TV at home.

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5. 夏休みに海に行ったり、友達と遊んだりしました。
Natsuyasumi ni umi ni ittari, tomodachi to asondari shimashita.
During summer break, I went to the beach and hung out with friends.

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6. 日本ではお正月に神社に行ったり、おせちを食べたりします。
Nihon de wa Oshōgatsu ni jinja ni ittari, osechi o tabetari shimasu.
In Japan, people go to shrines and eat New Year food during the holiday.

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7. 私は週末に掃除をしたり、音楽を聴いたりします。
Watashi wa shūmatsu ni sōji o shitari, ongaku o kiitari shimasu.
I clean and listen to music on weekends.

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8. 子供たちは外で走ったり、ボールで遊んだりしている。
Kodomo-tachi wa soto de hashittari, bōru de asondari shite iru.
The kids are running and playing with a ball outside.

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9. 昨日は友達とカフェに行ったり、写真を撮ったりしました。
Kinō wa tomodachi to kafe ni ittari, shashin o tottari shimashita.
Yesterday, I went to a café and took pictures with my friend.

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10. 旅行中は観光したり、美味しい料理を食べたりしました。
Ryokō-chū wa kankō shitari, oishii ryōri o tabetari shimashita.
During the trip, I did sightseeing and ate delicious food.

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📝 Notice: All these sentences use the た-form of verbs followed by り, and then end with する, しました, or しています depending on the situation and politeness level.

You can now start practicing your own combinations like:

• 勉強したり、運動したりする
• 食べたり、寝たりする
• 笑ったり、泣いたりした

It’s super flexible and easy to use!

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When to Use 〜たり〜たりする: All the Key Situations

The grammar structure 〜たり〜たりする isn’t just for listing random actions — it’s used in very specific and practical situations that you’ll come across often in real-life Japanese conversations, exams like JLPT, anime dialogues, and daily life in Japan.

Here’s a breakdown of the key times when you should use 〜たり〜たりする to sound more fluent and natural.

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✅ 1. To List Multiple Actions or States

Use 〜たり〜たりする when you want to mention two or more activities or conditions.

🗣️ Example:
泳いだり、走ったりする。
I swim and run.

💡This is not a full list. It implies “I do these and maybe other things too.”

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✅ 2. To Talk About Examples

If you want to say “I did things like…” or “For example, I…”, this grammar is perfect.

🗣️ Example:
昼ごはんに、ラーメンを食べたり、ジュースを飲んだりしました。
For lunch, I had things like ramen and juice.

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✅ 3. To Express “This and That” or “A Bit of This, A Bit of That”

Japanese often avoids rigid lists. Use 〜たり〜たりする to sound natural and casual, like saying “just doing this and that.”

🗣️ Example:
今日は家でゆっくりしたり、テレビを見たりしてた。
Today I was just relaxing at home and watching some TV.

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✅ 4. To Show Repetition or Alternating Actions

It can show actions that happen repeatedly or alternately.

🗣️ Example:
暑かったので、外に出たり、また戻ったりしていた。
Because it was hot, I kept going outside and then coming back in.

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✅ 5. To Add Variety and Soften a Statement

In Japanese culture, being too direct can seem impolite. 〜たり〜たりする makes your speech sound gentler and less rigid.

🗣️ Example:
仕事のあと、スーパーに行ったり、少し散歩したりして帰ります。
After work, I go to the supermarket and take a little walk before heading home.

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✅ 6. To Describe Mixed or Contrasting Emotional States

Yes, you can even use it with emotions or conditions (as long as they can be put into verb or adjective form).

🗣️ Example:
笑ったり、泣いたりの一日でした。
It was a day of laughing and crying.

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✅ 7. In JLPT N4–N3 Grammar Patterns

This is a must-know grammar point for JLPT N4 and N3 levels. You’ll often find questions asking how to form “doing A and B” or “giving examples of activities.”

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🎯 Summary: Use 〜たり〜たりする When You Want To…

• Mention a few examples from a longer list
• Describe flexible or casual sequences of actions
• Talk about on-and-off, alternating behaviors
• Give a soft, indirect tone to your speech
• Show repetition or variety in what you do

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🧠 Pro Tip: Use this pattern to make your Japanese sound more natural, polite, and expressive. Even native speakers use it in daily life for exactly this reason.

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Conjugation Rules for 〜たり〜たりする in Japanese

If you’re learning how to use 〜たり〜たりする, the good news is: the pattern is easy and consistent once you understand the た-form of verbs. This grammar always builds from the past tense (た-form) of verbs—even if you’re talking about the present or future.

Let’s walk through how to conjugate verbs into the 〜たり〜たりする form step by step.

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🧱 Basic Structure:

[Verb in た-form] + り + [Verb in た-form] + り + する

• ✅ You can use more than two actions, but usually two are enough.
• ✅ Only one する is needed at the end (adjusted for tense or formality).

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🔄 Step-by-Step Conjugation Logic:

1. Convert each verb to its た-form (past tense short form)
2. Add り after each た-form verb
3. End with する, します, した, etc., depending on the sentence

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📘 Verb Conjugation Table

Verb (Dictionary Form)	た-form	たり Form Example
食べる (to eat)	食べた	食べたり (tabetari)
行く (to go)	行った	行ったり (ittari)
飲む (to drink)	飲んだ	飲んだり (nondari)
書く (to write)	書いた	書いたり (kaitari)
遊ぶ (to play)	遊んだ	遊んだり (asondari)
見る (to see)	見た	見たり (mitari)
話す (to speak)	話した	話したり (hanashitari)
読む (to read)	読んだ	読んだり (yondari)
勉強する (to study)	勉強した	勉強したり (benkyō shitari)
来る (to come)	来た	来たり (kitari)

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🕘 Tense Conjugation of する at the End

Once you’ve created the 〜たり〜たり list, you attach the correct tense of する to match your sentence.

Tense/Politeness	Final Form
Plain Present	する
Polite Present	します
Plain Past	した
Polite Past	しました
Te-form	して
Negative	しない／しません
Past Negative	しなかった／しませんでした

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🗣️ Example Sentences Using Different Tenses:

• Present Polite:
  毎日、音楽を聴いたり、絵を描いたりします。
  I listen to music and draw pictures every day.
• Past Plain:
  昨日は寝たり、ゲームをしたりした。
  Yesterday I slept and played games.
• Negative Polite:
  今日は歩いたり、走ったりしません。
  I’m not doing things like walking or running today.
• Te-form (for linking):
  テレビを見たりして、ゆっくりしている。
  I’m just relaxing by doing things like watching TV.

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💡 Note: Even though the verbs are in た-form, the tense of the whole sentence is controlled by する at the end. That’s why you might see た-forms in a sentence that’s in present tense!

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〜たり〜たりする Grammar Rules You Need to Know

To use 〜たり〜たりする naturally and confidently in your Japanese, it’s important to know a few clear rules. These aren’t complicated, but they help you avoid common mistakes and sound more fluent.

Let’s go over the grammar rules one by one — broken down with examples and tips you’ll remember easily.

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✅ Rule 1: Always Use the た-Form of Verbs Before Adding り

This is the most important rule. Each verb must first be changed to its past tense short form (known as the た-form). Only then can you add り.

Correct:
行ったり、食べたりする。 (Go and eat.)
Incorrect:
行きたり、食べたりする。 ❌

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✅ Rule 2: Only One する at the End

Even if you’re listing two or three actions, you only need one する (or します/した etc.) at the end.

Example:
走ったり、泳いだり、踊ったりします。
(I run, swim, and dance.)

You do not need to say する after each verb.

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✅ Rule 3: The Tense Comes from する, Not the た-Forms

While the た-form looks like past tense, it’s only used because of the structure. The real tense of the sentence comes from する.

• 今週は歩いたり、運動したりします。 (Present)
• 先週は歩いたり、運動したりしました。 (Past)
• 明日は歩いたり、運動したりするつもりです。 (Future intention)

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✅ Rule 4: Use for Non-Exhaustive, Flexible Lists

This structure implies variety, not a complete list. It’s like saying “such as…” or “among other things.”

Example:
旅行中は写真を撮ったり、美術館を見たりしました。
(During the trip, I took photos, went to a museum, etc.)

You’re hinting that there were other activities too.

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✅ Rule 5: Minimum Two Verbs, But You Can Use More

You should use at least two actions when using 〜たり〜たりする. It sounds awkward with just one.

✅ Two or more:
彼は寝たり、起きたりしていた。 (He kept sleeping and waking up.)

❌ One verb:
彼は寝たりする。 (Sounds incomplete or unnatural)

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✅ Rule 6: Works with Both Action and Stative Verbs

You can use it with active verbs like 食べる (to eat) or state verbs like いる (to be), depending on what you’re describing.

Example:
猫が座ったり、寝たりしている。
(The cat is sitting and lying down.)

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✅ Rule 7: Works in Plain, Polite, and Continuous Forms

This grammar can be used with different speech levels and sentence types.

Style	Example Sentence
Polite	勉強したり、本を読んだりします。
Plain	勉強したり、本を読んだりする。
Past	勉強したり、本を読んだりした。
Te-form	勉強したりしている。
Intention	勉強したりするつもりです。

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✅ Rule 8: Use with Adjectives (with Caution)

While not very common, you might see 〜たり〜たり used with adjectives in casual speech. In this case, change the adjective into its た-form or use it indirectly.

Example:
暑かったり、寒かったりします。
(It gets hot and cold.)

But stick mostly to verbs until you’re at an upper-intermediate level.

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🧠 Expert Tip: Use this grammar when you want your sentence to feel relaxed, open-ended, or emotionally expressive—not like a fixed list or schedule.

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Important Tips for Using 〜たり〜たりする Correctly

Once you understand the basic rules of 〜たり〜たりする, you’ll start seeing it everywhere—in casual conversations, anime, JLPT exams, and everyday situations in Japan. But to sound truly natural, fluent, and confident, it’s important to go beyond the basics.

Here are pro-level, non-repetitive tips that will help you master this grammar structure and avoid subtle mistakes that even intermediate learners often make.

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🎯 Tip 1: Don’t Overuse It in Every Sentence

While 〜たり〜たりする is very useful, Japanese speakers don’t use it in every sentence where they list actions. Overusing it can make your speech sound robotic or artificial. Use it only when you’re giving representative actions, not full lists.

🔍 Use 〜たり〜たり when you’re trying to suggest “some of the things you did” or when there’s no specific order.

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🎯 Tip 2: Choose Your Verbs with Intention

Because this structure implies variety or examples, it’s best to choose verbs that are different in tone, meaning, or physicality. Pairing similar verbs (e.g., 食べたり、食事したりする) sounds unnatural or redundant.

✅ Natural: 歌ったり、踊ったりする (Sing and dance – two very different but related actions)
❌ Unnatural: 寝たり、休んだりする (Sleep and rest are too similar)

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🎯 Tip 3: Use 〜たり〜たりする to Add Emotional Contrast

Advanced speakers often use this structure to show emotional or situational contrasts, such as good and bad feelings, fun and stress, or ups and downs.

🗣️ Example:
この映画は笑ったり、泣いたりで感情が忙しい。
(This movie makes you laugh and cry — it’s an emotional rollercoaster.)

This adds depth to your sentence and creates a more vivid picture.

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🎯 Tip 4: Use in Progressive Forms to Show Ongoing Variety

Pairing 〜たり〜たり with the ている form (〜たりしている) lets you describe ongoing, varied actions in real-time.

🗣️ Example:
今は、音楽を聴いたりしているところです。
(Right now, I’m doing things like listening to music.)

This gives your speech a natural, “in the moment” feeling, great for phone calls or casual updates.

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🎯 Tip 5: Perfect for Softening Excuses or Avoiding Bluntness

When you don’t want to explain everything you did, or if you’re unsure how the other person will react, this grammar helps you sound less direct and more polite.

🗣️ Example:
今日はちょっと忙しくて、出かけたりしてて…。
(I was kind of busy today, going out and doing stuff…)

This is especially helpful in Japanese culture, where vagueness can be more polite than directness.

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🎯 Tip 6: Watch for Overlap with Other Listing Forms

While 〜たり〜たりする is used for non-exhaustive, flexible lists, be careful not to confuse it with:

• 〜し〜し (reason-based or emphasis-based lists)
  🆚 寒いし、眠いし帰りたい。 (It’s cold and I’m sleepy, so I want to go home.)
• 〜て〜て (full sequential or direct lists)
  🆚 ご飯を食べて、歯を磨いて、寝た。 (I ate, brushed my teeth, and went to bed.)

🔁 〜たり〜たり is more casual and expressive, while these other forms are more literal and structured.

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🎯 Tip 7: Use “したりする” in Habits or Descriptions of Routine

You’ll often hear 〜したりする used to describe common habits, especially when they vary slightly.

🗣️ Example:
日曜日はジムに行ったり、映画を見たりすることが多い。
(On Sundays, I often do things like go to the gym or watch movies.)

This works well in interviews, self-introductions, or friendly chats.

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🧠 Advanced Insight: In spoken Japanese, 〜たり〜たりしてる or 〜たりして is often used to trail off or soften speech at the end of a sentence. It implies “just doing this and that,” leaving room for interpretation.

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Common Mistakes with 〜たり〜たりする and How to Fix Them

Even learners who understand the form of 〜たり〜たりする often make subtle mistakes that can confuse listeners or make sentences sound unnatural. Let’s go through real learner problems (not just rule errors), and how to fix them with confidence.

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🚫 Mistake 1: Using 〜たり〜たり for Chronological Sequences

Some learners mistakenly use 〜たり〜たりする to describe actions that happen in a fixed order, like brushing teeth then going to bed. But 〜たり〜たり doesn’t show time order — it’s about variety, not sequence.

🗣️ Incorrect:
毎朝、顔を洗ったり、朝ご飯を食べたりします。 (Sounds vague)
🛠️ Fix: Use 〜て〜て form instead:
毎朝、顔を洗って、朝ご飯を食べます。

✨ Use 〜たり〜たり only when the order doesn’t matter, or when the focus is on types of actions, not timing.

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🚫 Mistake 2: Mixing 〜たり with Other Grammar Mid-Sentence

Some learners try to mix 〜たり〜たりする with other verb-ending forms, like て-form or し-form, in the same sentence. This creates grammar confusion and sounds inconsistent.

🗣️ Incorrect:
映画を見たり、買い物をして、寝た。
🛠️ Fix: Keep consistent format:
映画を見たり、買い物をしたり、寝たりしました。

🧩 Keep the entire sentence under the same structure unless switching for a clear reason. Grammar harmony matters in Japanese!

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🚫 Mistake 3: Forgetting to Add する at the End

Sometimes learners make a list with 〜たり〜たり, but forget to add する, した, or しています at the end. The sentence then feels unfinished or grammatically broken.

🗣️ Incorrect:
泳いだり、走ったり。 ❌
🛠️ Fix:
泳いだり、走ったりします。 ✅

🎯 Pro Tip: If your sentence ends in り, you’re not done yet! Always complete the structure with the proper する form.

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🚫 Mistake 4: Overusing It in Writing

This structure is very common in spoken or casual writing, but in formal or academic writing, Japanese often prefers more direct expressions or uses the 〜て〜て form for clarity.

🗣️ Too casual for formal writing:
データを集めたり、グラフを作ったりしました。
🛠️ Fix for reports/essays:
データを集め、グラフを作成しました。

🖋️ Use this grammar in writing that mimics speech, journaling, or casual tone — but switch to clearer listing methods in essays and reports.

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🚫 Mistake 5: Using Non-Action Words Incorrectly

Some learners try to plug in nouns or adjectives directly into the 〜たり〜たり pattern, which doesn’t work unless they’re made into verbs or full verb phrases.

🗣️ Incorrect:
映画だったり、楽しかったりした。 ❌
🛠️ Fix:
映画を見たり、楽しいことをしたりしました。 ✅

🔧 If it’s not a verb, either rephrase it into an action or use another grammar pattern more suitable for lists of nouns.

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🚫 Mistake 6: Repeating Similar Verb Types

Repeating verbs that are nearly identical in meaning reduces sentence impact and sounds redundant.

🗣️ Redundant:
歩いたり、散歩したりします。
🛠️ Fix: Choose variety:
歩いたり、本を読んだりします。

🌈 The point of 〜たり〜たりする is to show variety, not repetition. Pick verbs that contrast or complement each other.

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🚫 Mistake 7: Forgetting Natural Flow or Context

Grammar is correct, but if the activities don’t match the context, the sentence feels strange or out of place.

🗣️ Odd Pairing:
誕生日に掃除したり、漢字を練習したりしました。 😅
🛠️ Fix:
誕生日にケーキを食べたり、友達と遊んだりしました。 🎉

🎯 Even if the grammar is perfect, always sense-check your pairings for logic, occasion, and natural context.

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🧠 Wrap-Up Fix-It Checklist:

✅ Don’t use for time-ordered lists
✅ Keep the structure consistent — no mixing with other forms
✅ Always finish with する or its variation
✅ Use for casual, not formal writing
✅ Make sure actions are different, relevant, and contextual
✅ Rephrase non-verbs into action phrases
✅ Choose verbs that match the tone or occasion

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20 Example Sentences Using 〜たり〜たりする for Better Understanding

Using real examples is the best way to get comfortable with Japanese grammar. Below are 20 unique sentences using 〜たり〜たりする, showing how it works in different tenses, moods, and situations.

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🏠 Daily Life

1. 週末は掃除したり、洗濯したりします。
Shūmatsu wa sōji shitari, sentaku shitari shimasu.
On weekends, I clean and do laundry.

2. 朝はコーヒーを飲んだり、新聞を読んだりするのが好きです。
Asa wa kōhī o nondari, shinbun o yondari suru no ga suki desu.
I like doing things like drinking coffee and reading the newspaper in the morning.

3. 雨の日は本を読んだり、音楽を聴いたりします。
Ame no hi wa hon o yondari, ongaku o kiitari shimasu.
On rainy days, I read books and listen to music.

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🧒 Emotions and Actions

4. 子どもたちは笑ったり、泣いたりしていた。
Kodomo-tachi wa warattari, naitari shite ita.
The kids were laughing and crying.

5. この映画は感動したり、怖かったりする場面が多いです。
Kono eiga wa kandō shitari, kowakattari suru bamen ga ōi desu.
This movie has many emotional and scary scenes.

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✈️ Travel and Experiences

6. 旅行中は美術館に行ったり、写真を撮ったりしました。
Ryokō-chū wa bijutsukan ni ittari, shashin o tottari shimashita.
During the trip, I visited museums and took photos.

7. 京都ではお寺を見たり、抹茶を飲んだりしました。
Kyōto de wa otera o mitari, maccha o nondari shimashita.
In Kyoto, I saw temples and drank matcha tea.

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👩‍💻 Work and Study

8. 会議ではメモを取ったり、プレゼンを聞いたりします。
Kaigi de wa memo o tottari, purezen o kiitari shimasu.
In meetings, I take notes and listen to presentations.

9. テスト前に文法を復習したり、単語を覚えたりしました。
Tesuto mae ni bunpō o fukushū shitari, tango o oboetari shimashita.
Before the test, I reviewed grammar and memorized vocabulary.

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👨‍👩‍👧 Relationships and Events

10. 友達と話したり、笑ったりするのが楽しいです。
Tomodachi to hanashitari, warattari suru no ga tanoshii desu.
Talking and laughing with friends is fun.

11. 誕生日にケーキを食べたり、ゲームをしたりして過ごしました。
Tanjōbi ni kēki o tabetari, gēmu o shitari shite sugoshimashita.
I spent my birthday eating cake and playing games.

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🧘 Self-Care and Hobbies

12. 休日は散歩したり、カフェでのんびりしたりしています。
Kyūjitsu wa sanpo shitari, kafe de nonbiri shitari shite imasu.
On holidays, I go for walks and relax at cafés.

13. 夜はストレッチしたり、深呼吸したりして寝ます。
Yoru wa sutoretchi shitari, shinkokyū shitari shite nemasu.
At night, I stretch and take deep breaths before sleeping.

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🎮 Leisure and Entertainment

14. 暇なときは映画を見たり、ゲームをしたりします。
Hima na toki wa eiga o mitari, gēmu o shitari shimasu.
When I’m free, I watch movies and play games.

15. カラオケでは歌ったり、踊ったりして楽しみます。
Karaoke de wa utattari, odottari shite tanoshimimasu.
At karaoke, I have fun singing and dancing.

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🌦️ Weather and Nature

16. 天気が良い日は走ったり、公園で寝転んだりします。
Tenki ga yoi hi wa hashittari, kōen de nekorondari shimasu.
On sunny days, I run and lie down in the park.

17. 山では登ったり、景色を見たりしました。
Yama de wa nobottari, keshiki o mitari shimashita.
In the mountains, I hiked and enjoyed the view.

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🧠 Learning and Goals

18. 日本語を聞いたり、書いたりする練習が大事です。
Nihongo o kiitari, kaitari suru renshū ga daiji desu.
Practicing listening to and writing Japanese is important.

19. JLPTの準備では、模擬試験を受けたり、復習したりします。
JLPT no junbi de wa, mogi shiken o uketari, fukushū shitari shimasu.
To prepare for JLPT, I take mock exams and review materials.

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🔄 Abstract and Emotional Uses

20. 時には落ち込んだり、やる気が出たりします。
Toki ni wa ochikondari, yaruki ga detari shimasu.
Sometimes I feel down, and other times I feel motivated.

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💬 Practice Tip: Try swapping in your own verbs to these sentence frames to make them personal and memorable!

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〜たり〜たりする Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge

👉 Instructions:
Fill in each blank with the correct たり form of the verb(s) in parentheses.
Use the 〜たり〜たりする grammar pattern to complete the sentence.

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✏️ Fill-in-the-Blanks:

1. 日曜日は公園で（歩く）______、カフェで（休む）______します。

2. 学校では友達と（話す）______、先生の話を（聞く）______します。

3. 家で（料理する）______、（掃除する）______してすごします。

4. 雨の日は（テレビを見る）______、（読書する）______するのが好きです。

5. 日本旅行では（写真を撮る）______、（神社に行く）______しました。

6. 試験前は（勉強する）______、（復習する）______毎日です。

7. 夏は海で（泳ぐ）______、（日光浴する）______します。

8. 夜は（ストレッチする）______、（瞑想する）______してから寝ます。

9. 週末は（買い物する）______、（友達と会う）______予定です。

10. この映画は（泣く）______、（笑う）______シーンが多いです。

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11. 冬はこたつで（みかんを食べる）______、（昼寝する）______することが多いです。

12. イベントでは（歌う）______、（踊る）______して楽しみました。

13. 朝は（ラジオを聞く）______、（パンを食べる）______します。

14. パーティーでは（話す）______、（ゲームをする）______して過ごしました。

15. 昨日は忙しくて（仕事する）______、（電話に出る）______ばかりでした。

16. 公園で（走る）______、（ボールで遊ぶ）______しています。

17. 今日は寒くて（こたつに入る）______、（スープを飲む）______しました。

18. 春には（花を見に行く）______、（写真を撮る）______のが楽しみです。

19. ストレスがある時は（泣く）______、（深呼吸する）______ようにしています。

20. 夏休みには（旅行する）______、（新しいことに挑戦する）______つもりです。

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Check Your Answers for the 〜たり〜たりする Exercise

Use this answer key to compare your responses and deepen your understanding of how 〜たり〜たりする works in real contexts.

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✅ Answers 1–10

1. 日曜日は公園で歩いたり、カフェで休んだりします。
Nichiyōbi wa kōen de aruitari, kafe de yasundari shimasu.
On Sundays, I walk in the park and relax at cafés.

2. 学校では友達と話したり、先生の話を聞いたりします。
Gakkō de wa tomodachi to hanashitari, sensei no hanashi o kiitari shimasu.
At school, I talk with friends and listen to the teacher.

3. 家で料理したり、掃除したりしてすごします。
Ie de ryōri shitari, sōji shitari shite sugoshi masu.
At home, I cook and clean.

4. 雨の日はテレビを見たり、読書したりするのが好きです。
Ame no hi wa terebi o mitari, dokusho shitari suru no ga suki desu.
On rainy days, I like watching TV and reading.

5. 日本旅行では写真を撮ったり、神社に行ったりしました。
Nihon ryokō de wa shashin o tottari, jinja ni ittari shimashita.
During my Japan trip, I took photos and visited shrines.

6. 試験前は勉強したり、復習したり毎日です。
Shiken mae wa benkyō shitari, fukushū shitari mainichi desu.
Before exams, I study and review every day.

7. 夏は海で泳いだり、日光浴したりします。
Natsu wa umi de oyoidari, nikkōyoku shitari shimasu.
In summer, I swim and sunbathe at the beach.

8. 夜はストレッチしたり、瞑想したりしてから寝ます。
Yoru wa sutoretchi shitari, meisō shitari shite kara nemasu.
At night, I stretch and meditate before going to sleep.

9. 週末は買い物したり、友達と会ったり予定です。
Shūmatsu wa kaimono shitari, tomodachi to attari yotei desu.
This weekend, I plan to shop and meet friends.

10. この映画は泣いたり、笑ったりシーンが多いです。
Kono eiga wa naitari, warattari shīn ga ōi desu.
This movie has a lot of scenes where you laugh and cry.

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✅ Answers 11–20

11. 冬はこたつでみかんを食べたり、昼寝したりすることが多いです。
Fuyu wa kotatsu de mikan o tabetari, hirune shitari suru koto ga ōi desu.
In winter, I often eat oranges in the kotatsu and take naps.

12. イベントでは歌ったり、踊ったりして楽しみました。
Ibento de wa utattari, odottari shite tanoshimimashita.
At the event, I had fun singing and dancing.

13. 朝はラジオを聞いたり、パンを食べたりします。
Asa wa rajio o kiitari, pan o tabetari shimasu.
In the morning, I listen to the radio and eat bread.

14. パーティーでは話したり、ゲームをしたりして過ごしました。
Pātī de wa hanashitari, gēmu o shitari shite sugoshimashita.
At the party, I spent time talking and playing games.

15. 昨日は忙しくて仕事したり、電話に出たりばかりでした。
Kinō wa isogashikute shigoto shitari, denwa ni detari bakari deshita.
Yesterday I was so busy—just working and answering calls.

16. 公園で走ったり、ボールで遊んだりしています。
Kōen de hashittari, bōru de asondari shiteimasu.
At the park, I run and play with a ball.

17. 今日は寒くてこたつに入ったり、スープを飲んだりしました。
Kyō wa samukute kotatsu ni haittari, sūpu o nondari shimashita.
It was cold today, so I stayed in the kotatsu and drank soup.

18. 春には花を見に行ったり、写真を撮ったりのが楽しみです。
Haru ni wa hana o mi ni ittari, shashin o tottari no ga tanoshimi desu.
In spring, I enjoy going to see flowers and taking pictures.

19. ストレスがある時は泣いたり、深呼吸したりするようにしています。
Sutoresu ga aru toki wa naitari, shinkokyū shitari suru yō ni shiteimasu.
When I’m stressed, I try to cry or take deep breaths.

20. 夏休みには旅行したり、新しいことに挑戦したりつもりです。
Natsuyasumi ni wa ryokō shitari, atarashii koto ni chōsen shitari tsumori desu.
During summer break, I plan to travel and try new things.

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🧠 Tip: If you made mistakes, focus on verb conjugation into た-form and remember to always end the pattern with する/します/した.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 〜たり〜たりする

1. Can I use just one verb with 〜たり〜たりする?

Answer:
Technically, 〜たり〜たりする is a structure used to list multiple actions, so using only one verb is grammatically possible but often sounds unnatural. Native speakers expect at least two actions to show contrast, variety, or alternation.

🗣️ Unnatural:
日曜日は寝たりします。
Nichiyōbi wa netari shimasu.
(I do things like sleep on Sundays.)

🗣️ Natural:
日曜日は寝たり、ゲームをしたりします。
Nichiyōbi wa netari, gēmu o shitari shimasu.
(On Sundays, I sleep, play games, and so on.)

👉 Use at least two actions unless the context makes the “single action” clearly part of a larger list.

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2. What’s the difference between 〜たり〜たりする and 〜て〜て form?

Answer:
Both structures list actions, but the difference lies in meaning and nuance.

Structure	Use for…	Example	Nuance
〜て〜て	Sequential, complete actions	朝ご飯を食べて、会社に行きました。	I ate and then went to work (in that order).
〜たり〜たりする	Non-exhaustive, random actions	朝ご飯を食べたり、テレビを見たりしました。	I ate breakfast, watched TV, and did other things (unspecified order).

💡 Use 〜て〜て for clear timelines or instructions. Use 〜たり〜たり when the focus is on examples or mixed activities.

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3. How do I change verbs to the correct 〜たり form?

Answer:
You need to convert the verb into its short-form past tense (た-form) and then add り.

Here’s how:

Verb Type	Dictionary Form	た-form	たり Form
Group 1 (う-verbs)	書く (kaku)	書いた	書いたり
Group 2 (る-verbs)	食べる (taberu)	食べた	食べたり
Irregular	来る (kuru)	来た	来たり
Irregular	する (suru)	した	したり

🧠 Example:
日本では買い物したり、美味しいものを食べたりしました。
Nihon de wa kaimono shitari, oishii mono o tabetari shimashita.
(In Japan, I went shopping, ate delicious food, and more.)

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4. Can I use 〜たり〜たりする in past or future tense?

Answer:
Yes! The tense of the sentence comes from the する at the end—not the た-form verbs.

Tense	Ending	Example
Present	します	映画を見たり、本を読んだりします。
Past	しました	映画を見たり、本を読んだりしました。
Progressive	しています	映画を見たりしています。
Future intention	するつもりです	映画を見たりするつもりです。

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5. Can I use 〜たり〜たりする with adjectives or nouns?

Answer:
It’s rare and awkward to use 〜たり〜たり with adjectives or nouns alone. This structure works best with verbs. However, you can work around this by rephrasing adjectives into actions or using the た-form of い-adjectives in casual cases.

🗣️ Example (with adjectives):
今日は暑かったり、寒かったりするね。
Kyō wa atsukattari, samukattari suru ne.
(Today it’s hot and cold on and off, isn’t it?)

But this is more advanced and should be used carefully.

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6. Can I use 〜たり〜たりする with negative verbs?

Answer:
Yes! You can use the negative た-form (なかった) plus り for a mix of did/didn’t actions.

🗣️ Example:
週末は映画を見たり、宿題をしなかったりします。
Shūmatsu wa eiga o mitari, shukudai o shinakattari shimasu.
(On weekends, I sometimes watch movies, sometimes skip homework.)

💡 This helps express variety in behavior, habits, or exceptions.

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7. What’s the difference between 〜たり〜たりする and 〜し〜し?

Answer:
Though both list things, the usage and tone are different.

• 〜たり〜たりする = Examples or alternating actions
• 〜し〜し = Reasons or emphasis

🗣️ 〜たり〜たり Example:
このレストランではピザを食べたり、スープを飲んだりできます。
(You can eat pizza and drink soup at this restaurant.)

🗣️ 〜し〜し Example:
このレストランは安いし、美味しいし、最高です！
(This restaurant is cheap, tasty, and amazing!)

✨ Use 〜し〜し when giving reasons, not just actions.

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8. Can I end a sentence with 〜たり〜たり without する?

Answer:
In casual or trailing-off speech, yes. But in formal or written Japanese, you should always end the sentence with する or its conjugated form.

🗣️ Casual:
昨日は食べたり、寝たり…。
(Yesterday I did stuff like eat and sleep…) ← Trailing tone.

🗣️ Formal and Complete:
昨日は食べたり、寝たりしました。
(Yesterday I ate, slept, and did other things.)

👉 In essays, reports, or JLPT exams, always use the full structure.

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9. Can I combine more than two verbs with 〜たり〜たりする?

Answer:
Absolutely! You can combine two, three, even four verbs—but more than that might feel excessive. Three is usually the natural limit.

🗣️ Example:
週末は料理したり、掃除したり、買い物したりします。
Shūmatsu wa ryōri shitari, sōji shitari, kaimono shitari shimasu.
(On weekends, I cook, clean, and go shopping.)

⚖️ Try to balance clarity with variety. Don’t overwhelm the listener with too many activities.

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10. Is 〜たり〜たりする common in real Japanese conversations?

Answer:
Yes, it’s extremely common in spoken Japanese, especially in casual or semi-formal speech. You’ll hear it in:

• Friendly chats
• Phone calls
• JLPT listening
• Anime and dramas
• Daily reports or interviews

It’s used to express non-committal, relaxed, or illustrative lists of actions.

🗣️ Real-life Example:
今日は家でゴロゴロしたり、映画見たりしてた。
Kyō wa ie de gorogoro shitari, eiga mitari shiteta.
(I was just chilling at home, watching movies and stuff.)

🎧 To get used to the flow, listen for it in podcasts or slice-of-life anime like Shirokuma Cafe or My Roommate is a Cat.

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Key Takeaways: 〜たり〜たりする Summary and Important Points

🔹 Meaning & Function

• Used to list examples of actions (not all actions)
• Implies variety, alternation, or randomness
• Common in daily, casual, and spoken Japanese

🔹 Structure

• Verb (た-form) + り + Verb (た-form) + り + する
• Example: 食べたり、寝たりする = Eat, sleep, and so on

🔹 Tense Rules

• Tense comes from する (present: する, past: した, progressive: している)

🔹 Minimum Usage

• Use at least two verbs for natural flow
• OK to use three for variety — don’t overload

🔹 When to Use

• Describing casual weekend routines
• Talking about varied activities
• Expressing inconsistent emotional states
• Describing “sometimes this, sometimes that”

🔹 When Not to Use

• Avoid for fixed sequences (use 〜て〜て form instead)
• Don’t use in formal writing (too vague or casual)

🔹 Conjugation Reminder

• Always use verbs in short past tense (た-form)
• End the sentence with する in the correct tense

🔹 With Negatives or Opposites

• Can be used with なかったり for contrast
• Ex: 行ったり、行かなかったりする = Go and sometimes not go

🔹 Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to add する
• Mixing 〜たり with other forms mid-sentence
• Using only one verb
• Applying it to nouns or adjectives incorrectly

🔹 Real-Life Use

• Very common in speech, casual writing, and JLPT
• Helps express personality, flexibility, and emotion

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✅ Quick Example Recap:

週末は料理したり、映画を見たりします。
On weekends, I cook and watch movies (and more).

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Conclusion: Mastering 〜たり〜たりする in Japanese | My Language Classes

Have you ever wanted to talk about your day in Japanese without listing every single thing you did? That’s exactly where 〜たり〜たりする comes in. It gives your sentences a smooth, natural rhythm — perfect for describing a mix of actions, habits, or even moods. Whether you’re saying “I cleaned and read a book” or “I laughed and cried during the movie,” this grammar structure brings your Japanese to life.

Let’s quickly remind ourselves why 〜たり〜たりする is so useful:

• ✅ It’s flexible: perfect for daily conversations and storytelling
• ✅ It’s expressive: shows contrast, randomness, or variety
• ✅ It’s essential for JLPT N4–N3 learners and beyond
• ✅ It helps you sound more fluent and natural

From daily routines to weekend fun and emotional ups and downs, mastering this one grammar point helps you describe your world more clearly — in real, native-sounding Japanese.

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🎓 Learning a language is a journey — make it joyful, not stressful.
And remember, 〜たり〜たりする is just one step toward sounding natural in Japanese.

You’ve got this. 💪 Keep going, and we’ll see you in the next lesson!

If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

Happy learning! 😊

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