How to Express Ongoing Change in Japanese with ～つつある
Some changes do not happen all at once. They unfold gradually. In written Japanese, when you want to describe something that is in the middle of changing, the grammar pattern ～つつある is exactly what you need. Whether something is rising, falling, or quietly shifting, this structure helps you show the process of transformation.
～つつある
Is in the process of changing or happening
JLPT Level: N2
How to Use It
Use ～つつある when describing something that is gradually changing. It connects to the verb stem and highlights progress rather than a finished action. This grammar is best for changes that develop over time, such as shifts in opinion, climate, or trends. It is formal and rarely used in everyday conversation.
Usage Pattern
Verb stem + つつある
Example 1
季節は変わりつつあります。
きせつ は かわり つつ あります。
Kisetsu wa kawari tsutsu arimasu.
The seasons are gradually changing.
Example 2
経済は回復しつつある。
けいざい は かいふく しつつ ある。
Keizai wa kaifuku shitsutsu aru.
The economy is in the process of recovering.
Example 3
彼の考え方は変わりつつある。
かれ の かんがえかた は かわり つつ ある。
Kare no kangaekata wa kawari tsutsu aru.
His way of thinking is beginning to change.