Translation guide
Expresses movement or communication that alternates between two points, or indecision that swings between options.
Describing repeated travel or movement between two locations.
The most common and natural way to say 'go back and forth' for physical movement. Uses the verb 行く (to go) and 来る (to come) in the ～たり～たり pattern.
Describing back-and-forth conversation, messages, or negotiations.
Means 'to exchange' (messages, words, opinions). The go-to word for back-and-forth communication.
Describing a person who cannot decide and keeps changing their mind.
The basic verb for 'to be indecisive' or 'to waver'. Can be used alone or in patterns like ～か～か迷う.
The English phrase 'going back and forth' is often translated literally as 後ろに行ったり前に来たり, but this sounds unnatural. Use the options above depending on context.
He is going back and forth between the room and the kitchen.
Means 'to make a round trip' or 'to go back and forth'. Often used for scheduled or regular travel, like commuting.
I go back and forth between Tokyo and Yokohama every day.
Similar to 行ったり来たりする but slightly more formal or written. Implies regular movement or traffic between two places.
Cars are constantly going back and forth on this road.
I exchanged emails back and forth with him.
Literally 'to exchange words'. Used for verbal exchanges, often in a slightly formal or literary context.
The two exchanged words back and forth for a while.
Means 'to have a heated debate' or 'to argue back and forth'. Used for intense discussions.
They argued back and forth fiercely about the issue.
I'm going back and forth on which university to attend.
Literally 'feelings sway'. Expresses emotional wavering or being torn between options.
His feelings are still going back and forth.
An idiom meaning 'to hesitate' or 'to think twice'. Implies a back-and-forth in decision-making.
Since it's an expensive purchase, I'm going back and forth on it.