考えに考えて・
This pattern repeats the same verb around a particle to show that an action was performed to an exceptional degree. Depending on the verb, it can suggest great effort, strong emotion, prolonged duration, or thoroughness.
How the pattern works
Make the first part by taking the polite verb form and removing ます. Add に, then repeat exactly the same verb. The second verb carries the form needed by the sentence: a past form can complete the statement, while a て-form can link it to the result or next action.
Effort, duration, and emotion
The best English translation depends on the verb. Natural equivalents include “think long and hard,” “search everywhere,” “long-awaited,” and “cry one's heart out.”
私は考えに考えて、留学を一年延期することにした。
After thinking it through exhaustively, I decided to postpone studying abroad for a year.
Analyze待ちに待った新作映画が、ついに公開された。
The long-awaited new film was finally released.
AnalyzeHere the emphasis is on the long, eager wait, not on counting separate acts of waiting.
私たちは町じゅうを探しに探して、ようやくその店を見つけた。
We searched all over town and finally found the shop.
Analyze彼は悔しさのあまり、泣きに泣いた。
Overcome with frustration, he cried his heart out.
AnalyzeThree different kinds of repetition
The target pattern repeats a verb around に to intensify one action or its resulting degree. The noun pattern “noun + に + same noun + を重ねて” instead highlights accumulated rounds or layers. Repeating a verb with ては presents recurring episodes, often occurring intermittently or in alternation, rather than simply making one action sound exceptionally intense.
More examples
迷いに迷った末、彼女は転職を決めた。
After agonizing over the decision, she decided to change jobs.
Analyzeこれは開発チームが練りに練った企画だ。
This is a plan that the development team refined with exceptional care.
Analyze遅れに遅れた工事が、ようやく完了した。
The severely delayed construction work was finally completed.
Analyze子どもたちは遊びに遊んで、帰りの車で眠ってしまった。
The children played to their hearts' content and fell asleep in the car on the way home.
Analyze調査班は資料を調べに調べたが、決定的な証拠は見つからなかった。
The investigative team examined the materials exhaustively, but found no conclusive evidence.
Analyze彼は悩みに悩んで、家族に本当のことを話した。
After struggling with the decision for a long time, he told his family the truth.
Analyze