Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
How to build the pattern
Make the pattern from the plain past form, then change the ending to たり or だり. The sentence usually ends with する or another suitable form of する.
Target signal
テレビを見たり、本を読んだりする。
I do things like watch TV and read books.
見たり and 読んだり are sample actions, and する completes the pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
- たり
- doing things like ...; actions such as ...
- んだ
- you know; the thing is; explanatory tone
Compare in context
日曜日は買いものしたり、そうじしたりします。
On Sundays I do things like shop and clean.
With verbal nouns, the noun stays visible and the したり chunk carries the pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- 買いもの
- shopping
- したり
- do things like...
- します
- do
Compare in context
休みの日は寝たり、音楽を聞いたりします。
On my days off I do things like sleep and listen to music.
The pattern works naturally with everyday free-time actions too.
Vocabulary notes
- します
- do
- たり
- doing things like ...; actions such as ...
- いた
- was there
Section 2 of 3
Representative actions, not full order
たり〜たりする gives examples of what someone did or often does. It does not promise that the sentence includes every action, and it does not focus on exact order.
Target signal
夏休みに写真を撮ったり、本を読んだりした。
During summer vacation I did things like take pictures and read books.
The pattern lists sample things done during summer vacation.
Vocabulary notes
- 夏休み
- summer vacation
- たり
- doing things like ...; actions such as ...
- んだ
- you know; the thing is; explanatory tone
Preview
旅行では電車に乗ったり、歩いたりした。
On the trip I did things like ride trains and walk.
This sentence suggests a mix of actions on the trip, not a fixed sequence.
Vocabulary notes
- たり
- doing things like ...; actions such as ...
- いた
- was there
- した
- did
Preview
うちで料理したり、映画を見たりする。
At home I do things like cook and watch movies.
The listener understands there may be other actions too.
Vocabulary notes
- したり
- do things like...
- たり
- doing things like ...; actions such as ...
- うち
- home; our place
Section 3 of 3
たり〜たりする vs て-form sequence
Use たり〜たりする when you want examples. Use the て-form when you want a clear order of actions. Checking the sentence ending helps you tell the difference quickly.
Target signal
駅へ行って、電車に乗った。
I went to the station and got on the train.
This is a sequence: first go to the station, then get on the train.
Vocabulary notes
- 行って
- going and...
- って
- colloquial quoting or topic particle
- 電車
- train
Preview
休みの日は本を読んだり、音楽を聞いたりした。
On my day off I did things like read books and listen to music.
This is a たり sentence because it names examples of what happened on the day off.
Vocabulary notes
- たり
- doing things like ...; actions such as ...
- んだ
- you know; the thing is; explanatory tone
- いた
- was there
Preview
朝はパンを食べて、コーヒーを飲んだ。
In the morning I ate bread and drank coffee.
The て-form gives a straightforward order of two completed actions.
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
- 食べて
- eat and...
- んだ
- you know; the thing is; explanatory tone