What Does “Tatsu” Mean?
The verb “tatsu” (経つ) literally means “to pass” or “to elapse” when referring to time. Unlike some other Japanese verbs for passing (such as 過ぎる, sugiru), “tatsu” is specifically about the flow of time. It’s used for days, months, years, seasons, and other time periods, making it essential for expressing how much time has gone by.
Basic Grammar Structure with “Tatsu”
Understanding the typical sentence structure with “tatsu” will help you use it correctly. The most common pattern is:
[Time period] + ga + tatsu
Here are a few examples:
- 三年が経つ (san-nen ga tatsu) — Three years pass.
- 一週間が経ちました (isshuukan ga tachimashita) — A week has passed.
- 長い時間が経った (nagai jikan ga tatta) — A long time has passed.
How to Conjugate “Tatsu”
Since “tatsu” is a regular godan verb, it follows standard conjugation rules. Here are the most common forms:
- Present: 経つ (tatsu)
- Past: 経った (tatta)
- Te-form: 経って (tatte)
- Polite present: 経ちます (tachimasu)
- Polite past: 経ちました (tachimashita)
For example:
日本に来てから五年が経ちました。
(Nihon ni kite kara go-nen ga tachimashita.)
It’s been five years since I came to Japan.
Common Expressions with “Tatsu”
“Tatsu” is often paired with specific time expressions. Here are some useful phrases you might hear or use:
- しばらく時間が経ちました (Shibaraku jikan ga tachimashita) — Some time has passed.
- 数ヶ月が経つ (Suukagetsu ga tatsu) — Several months pass.
- あっという間に一年が経った (Atto iu ma ni ichinen ga tatta) — A year passed in the blink of an eye.
Difference Between “Tatsu” and “Sugiru”
Both “tatsu” and “sugiru” (過ぎる) relate to the passage of time, but they are not interchangeable. “Tatsu” is about the time period that has gone by, while “sugiru” often means “to go past” or “to exceed.” For example:
- 三年が経つ (san-nen ga tatsu) — Three years pass (it’s been three years).
- 三年を過ぎる (san-nen o sugiru) — To go past three years (to exceed three years).
Practical Tips for Using “Tatsu”
- Always use the particle “が” after the time period when using “tatsu.”
- “Tatsu” is mostly used with periods of time (hours, days, months, years), not specific clock times.
- Try writing your own sentences or practicing with language partners or AI tutors on Talkpal for better retention.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Japanese learners often confuse “tatsu” with other verbs or misuse the particles. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Using “o” instead of “ga” after the time period.
- Using “tatsu” with specific times (e.g., “3時が経つ” is incorrect).
- Mixing up “tatsu” with “sugiru” when you mean to say “it has been X time.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any aspect of language learning, mastering “tatsu” takes practice. Try keeping a language journal about your experiences, noting how much time has passed since certain events, or use language learning platforms like Talkpal to get feedback from native speakers and AI tutors.
Conclusion
Expressing the passage of time with “tatsu” is a fundamental skill in Japanese. By understanding its meaning, mastering the grammar, and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to naturally talk about how much time has passed in conversations and writing. Whether you’re studying alone or using interactive tools like Talkpal, integrating “tatsu” into your Japanese vocabulary will make your language skills more fluent and authentic.
