〜つつある
In the Process of
The pattern 〜つつある is used in formal contexts to indicate that a situation is steadily changing. It is equivalent to 'is in the process of' or 'is gradually becoming.'
How It Works
〜つつある is a formal, literary expression typically found in news reports, academic papers, and business contexts. It is not used in casual conversation.
1. Usage with Change Verbs:
Unlike the standard progressive form, which can describe any ongoing action (like eating or running), 〜つつある is restricted to verbs that show a shift from one state to another. Common verbs include:
- 増加する（ぞうかする）- to increase
- 減少する（げんしょうする）- to decrease
- 回復する（かいふくする）- to recover
- 進む（すすむ）- to progress
- 失われる（うしなわれる）- to be lost
2. Nuance of Gradualness:
It implies that the change is not sudden, but is unfolding steadily over time. It highlights the current 'active' movement of that change.
3. Formation:
It attaches to the ます-stem of the verb:
- なる → なり + つつある
- 広がる → 広がり + つつある
- 改善する → 改善し + つつある
Examples (4)
- 景気は徐々に回復しつつあります。
The economy is gradually recovering.
Word by Word: Economy (topic) gradually recovery doing-process-of is.
This uses the formal ます-stem of 'to recover' (回復する) to describe a positive economic trend.
- 日本は少子高齢化が進みつつある。
Japan is in the process of an accelerating declining birthrate and aging population.
Word by Word: Japan (topic) declining-birthrate-aging-population (subject) progress-process-of exists.
This is a classic example of using the pattern to describe a large-scale social trend.
- 失われつつある伝統文化を守らなければならない。
We must protect the traditional cultures that are currently being lost.
Word by Word: Being-lost-process-of exists traditional-culture (object) must-protect.
Here, the pattern modifies the noun 'traditional culture' to describe a state of gradual disappearance.
- 新しい技術が世界中に広まりつつある。
New technology is steadily spreading throughout the world.
Word by Word: New technology (subject) world-throughout spread-process-of exists.
The verb 広まる (to spread) is a change verb perfectly suited for this formal pattern.
Common Mistakes
Using with static actions instead of change verbs.
今、昼ご飯を食べつつある。今、昼ご飯を食べている。Eating (食べる) is a physical action, not a gradual state change or trend. Use the standard ている form for everyday actions.
Using in casual conversation.
外が暗くなりつつあるね！外が暗くなってきたね！Using 〜つつある with friends sounds unnaturally stiff and robotic. For gradual changes in daily life, use 〜てきた instead.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 〜つつある, you need to know how to create verb stems (ます form stems) and be familiar with the basic progressive aspect (〜ている). This pattern specifically describes a process of change that is currently in motion, often used in formal or written contexts.
- ます形Polite Verb Ending
〜つつある attaches to the stem of the verb (the ます form without ます), so understanding how to form the stem is essential.
Level 1 - あるTo Exist (Inanimate)
The pattern is a compound of the continuative particle 〜つつ and the auxiliary verb ある, which indicates a state of existence or being.
Level 1 - ているProgressive/resultative
〜つつある is a formal version of the progressive/state-of-change aspect found in 〜ている. Understanding the basic progressive form helps in grasping this more formal 'ongoing change' nuance.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- てくるCome to Do/Gradual Change
Used to describe a change that has been happening up until now. It is much more common in spoken Japanese than 〜つつある.
Level 2 - ていくGo on Doing/Gradual Change
Used to describe a change that will continue from now into the future. 〜つつある focuses more on the current active progression.
Level 2 - 〜つつWhile/although
The root of this pattern, but used alone it means 'while' (formal ながら) or 'although'.
Level 4 - 化-ization
A suffix meaning '-ization' (e.g., 温暖化 - global warming), which is frequently used in sentences describing trends with 〜つつある.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice 〜つつある in Bubblegum
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