たり～たりする
Things like ~ and ~
Structure
Verb［た］り + ［する］Verb（したり） + する
Explanation
In Japanese, the particle たり is attached to verbs to list representative actions or states. It functions similarly to the て form for connecting clauses, but instead of implying a strict sequence ('and then'), it suggests a non-exhaustive list of activities ('and things like...'). This means the order in which the actions are mentioned is not important.
The final verb in a たり sequence is always followed by a form of the verb する, which sets the tense for the entire list (e.g., します for present/future, した for past).
- 週末は本を読んだり、音楽を聞いたりする。On weekends, I do things like read books and listen to music.
- 休みに買い物をしたり、映画を見たりした。During the break, I did things like go shopping and watch a movie.
As seen in the examples, たり can sometimes change to だり. This sound change occurs for the same verbs that end in んだ in the past tense (like 飲んだ) or いで in the て form (like 急いで). This change is purely for phonetic reasons to make pronunciation smoother and does not alter the meaning.
To recap, the primary distinction between the て form and たり is as follows.
Events in a fixed sequence - I did (A) て, (B) て, (C) て, (D) た.
Events in no particular order - I did (C) たり, (A) たり, (D) たりした.
たり is also frequently used when only one action is mentioned. This implies that the stated action is just one example of several things the speaker did, without needing to list the others.
- 子供の時、あの公園でよく遊んだりした。When I was a child, I often played at that park. (Among other things)
Caution
When the last verb in a list is a する verb (like 勉強する or 料理する), the たり is often dropped from that final verb.
- 散歩したり、洗濯したり、料理もします。I do things like go for a walk and do laundry, and I also cook. (In no specific order)
Fun Fact
The phrase たりして, which combines たり with the て form of する, can be added to the end of a sentence. It is used to offer a light suggestion or speculate about a possibility, often one that is slightly unexpected or unlikely. It can also be used in a teasing or playful manner.
- 彼、遅いね。もしかして寝坊したりして。He's late, isn't he? Maybe he overslept or something.
- すごい勉強してるね。まさか満点狙ってたりして。You're studying so hard. Don't tell me you're aiming for a perfect score, are you? (Joking)
Examples
公園で遊んだり、走ったりした。
At the park, I did things like play and run.
メールを書いたり、電話をかけたりしました。
I did things like write emails and make phone calls.
買い物をしたり、料理をしたりした。
I did things like go shopping and cook.
赤ちゃんが泣いたり、笑ったりするね。
The baby keeps doing things like crying and laughing, doesn't she.
週末は、友達に会ったり、買い物に行ったりする。
This weekend, I'll do things like meet up with friends and go shopping.
歌ったり、踊ったりしたい。
I want to do things like sing and dance.
休みに山に行ったり、海に行ったりした。
During my vacation, I did things like go to the mountains and the sea.
皆で話したり、笑ったりしています。
We are all doing things like talking and laughing together.
もう旅行の準備をしたり、荷物をまとめたりした。
I already did things like prepare for the trip and pack my bags.
絵を描いたり、写真を撮ったりするのが好き。
I like doing things like drawing pictures and taking photos.
毎晩、ノートを見返したり、次の日の準備をしたりします。
Every night, I do things like review my notes and prepare for the next day.
仕事が終わってから、飲みに行ったり、おいしいものを食べたりしたい。
After work is finished, I want to do things like go out for a drink and eat something delicious.