〜つ〜つ
Formation
Meaning
Used to describe two actions or states that occur alternately or repeatedly in the same scene or time frame. It often implies a fluctuating or oscillating pattern.
Note
Attaches to the masu-stem of verbs. Usually used with pairs of opposite or related verbs (e.g., 'coming and going', 'pushing and being pushed'). It is an idiomatic and literary expression with limited usage.
Examples
二人でお酒を差しつ差されつ、楽しい時間を過ごした。
The two of them spent a pleasant time pouring sake for each other.
船は波に揺られて浮きつ沈みつしている。
The ship is bobbing up and down, tossed by the waves.
満員電車の中で、押しつ押されつしながら会社へ向かう。
In a packed train, I head to work while being pushed and jostled.
昨日の試合は抜きつ抜かれつの大接戦だった。
Yesterday's game was a real see-saw battle, with both sides taking the lead in turn.
彼は部屋の中を行きつ戻りつして、考え込んでいる。
He is pacing back and forth in the room, deep in thought.
二人のランナーは追い越されつ追い越しつ、ゴールを目指した。
The two runners aimed for the goal, overtaking and being overtaken by each other.