つつある
-ing, Be -ing
Structure
Explanation
By attaching つつある to the ます-stem of a verb, you can express that a certain action or change is currently in progress. This formal expression emphasizes a gradual and continuous development over time. It is frequently used to describe things that are steadily increasing, decreasing, expanding, or otherwise transforming.
This grammar point can be translated as 'to be in the process of ~ing', or 'to be gradually ~ing'.
- この町では、若者が減ったため、伝統的なお祭りが消えつつある。In this town, traditional festivals are gradually disappearing because the number of young people has decreased.
- 近年、健康に対する人々の意識が高まりつつある。In recent years, people's awareness of health has been growing.
- 大きな病気をしたが、彼の体力は回復しつつある。Although he had a serious illness, his physical strength is gradually recovering.
Caution
Unlike ている, which can describe a simple action in progress, つつある is reserved for changes or developments that happen over a period of time. It is generally not used for direct, physical actions that have a clear beginning and end, as it focuses more on a state of transition rather than a simple continuing activity.
- 弟が公園で走っている。My little brother is running in the park. (Natural Japanese)
- 弟が公園で走りつつある。My little brother is running in the park. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
最近、AI技術が急速に普及しつつある。
Recently, AI technology has been spreading rapidly.
失恋の痛みも、時間とともに癒えつつある。
The pain of my heartbreak is healing with time.
地球温暖化の影響で、北極の氷が溶けつつある。
Due to the effects of global warming, the ice in the Arctic is melting.
倒産しかけたあの会社は、新しい経営者のもとで回復しつつあった。
That company, which almost went bankrupt, was recovering under the new management.
私の故郷の駅前は、再開発によって発展しつつある。
The area in front of my hometown's station is developing due to redevelopment.
その地方の古い伝統は、残念ながら忘れられつつある。
Unfortunately, the old traditions of that region are being forgotten.
日が短くなり、秋も深まりつつある。
The days are getting shorter, and autumn is deepening.
長年かかったプロジェクトが、ようやく完成しつつある。
The project that took many years is finally nearing completion.
日本の出生率は、依然として低下しつつある。
Japan's birth rate is still continuing to decline.
昔は仲が良かった二人だが、心が離れつつあるようだ。
The two of them used to be close, but it seems their hearts are drifting apart.
スマートフォンの普及で、デジタルカメラの市場は縮小しつつある。
With the spread of smartphones, the market for digital cameras is shrinking.
息子は反抗期を迎え、少しずつ大人になりつつある。
My son has entered his rebellious phase and is gradually becoming an adult.