～ていく
To ~ and go, To go on, To start
Structure
Explanation
This grammar pattern is formed by combining the て-form of a verb with the verb 行く, meaning 'to go'. To create this structure, change any verb to its て-form and then add いく.
This construction implies that an action is (or was) performed, followed by movement away from the speaker's current location. The tense of the sentence is determined by whether いく is in its present or past form.
- コンビニでジュースを買っていく？Shall we buy some juice at the convenience store on our way?
- パーティーに行くまえに、プレゼントを作って行った。I made a present and took it with me to the party.
ていく can be used to describe movement through a physical location or the progression of time. When describing physical movement, the kanji form, 行く, is frequently used. This is not a strict rule, however, and is ultimately up to the writer's preference.
When used in relation to time, it conveys the nuance that a change or action is beginning now and will continue into the future.
- これから日本語の単語がもっと難しくなっていく。From now on, the Japanese vocabulary is going to get more difficult.
This is the opposite of てくる, which describes something that has been happening over a period of time and has continued up to the present.
Fun Fact
When compared to English, the temporal usage of ていく is similar to phrases like 'from now on' or 'going forward'. It emphasizes a continuous progression away from the present moment toward the future. For instance, 'Things will get better going forward'.
Examples
子供が公園の方へ走っていく。
The child is running off toward the park.
駅まで車で送っていくよ。
I'll take you to the station by car.
パーティーにケーキを作っていくつもりです。
I plan to make and bring a cake to the party.
学校には毎日歩いていく。
I walk to school every day.
図書館に本を返していくから、少し遅れる。
I'm going to be a little late because I have to go return a book at the library.
わたしもそのパーティーに連れていってください。
Please take me to that party too.
出かける前に、この新聞を読んでいってください。
Please read this newspaper before you go.
これから日本語を勉強する人が増えていくだろう。
From now on, the number of people studying Japanese will probably continue to increase.
秋になると、だんだん寒くなっていく。
When it becomes autumn, it gradually gets colder.
大変だったことも、時間が経てば忘れていくものだ。
As time passes, one tends to gradually forget even the difficult things.
子供の成長していく姿を見るのは嬉しい。
It's a joy to watch a child as they continue to grow.
時代とともに、街の景色も変わっていく。
As the times change, the scenery of the town also continues to change.