つつある

つつある means is in the process of. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to describe a gradual change currently underway.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, つつある is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker’s logic, stance, or emphasis.

What does つつある mean?

Use つつある when you want to describe a gradual change currently underway.

Natural translations include:

• is in the process of
• depending on context
• in a way that matches the speaker’s emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

How to form つつある

Verb stem + つつある

Examples of the pattern:

• 社会は大きく変わりつつある。
• 問題は解決に向かいつつある。
• 古い習慣は少しずつ消えつつある。

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

When is つつある used?

Use つつある in situations like:

• reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
• making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
• connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:

• usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression
• common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

つつある example sentences

• 社会は大きく変わりつつある。 — Society is in the process of changing greatly.
• 問題は解決に向かいつつある。 — The problem is moving toward resolution.
• 古い習慣は少しずつ消えつつある。 — Old customs are gradually disappearing.
• 新しい技術が広まりつつある。 — New technology is spreading.
• 景気は回復しつつあると言われている。 — It is said that the economy is recovering.

After reading each sentence, ask what job つつある is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

Nuance of つつある

The key nuance is describe a gradual change currently underway.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:

• In formal writing, つつある often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
• Compared with ているところだ, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

つつある vs ているところだ

Both つつある and ているところだ can express related ideas, but they are different.

つつある:

• fits the N2 nuance explained above
• often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

ているところだ:

• is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
• may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:

• 社会は大きく変わりつつある。
• Try rewriting the sentence with ているところだ and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

Common mistakes with つつある

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
• Confusing it with ているところだ just because the English translation overlaps
• Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with つつある, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

Is つつある on the JLPT?

Yes. つつある is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

Practice questions for つつある

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:

• Write one sentence that clearly needs つつある.
• Write a second sentence with ているところだ and compare the nuance.
• Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

Learning path for つつある

To learn つつある efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern’s real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare つつある with ているところだ and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes つつある necessary.

Related grammar to review next

• n2 shidai ni — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
• n2 ni tomonatte — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
• n3 to tomo ni — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

Learn つつある with Hane

If you want to review つつある together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

• All grammar lessons
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons