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.
彼は部屋と台所を行ったり来たりしている。
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.
毎日、東京と横浜を往復しています。
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.
この道は車が頻繁に行き来している。
Cars are constantly going back and forth on this road.
Describing back-and-forth conversation, messages, or negotiations.
Means 'to exchange' (messages, words, opinions). The go-to word for back-and-forth communication.
彼とメールのやり取りをした。
I exchanged emails back and forth with him.
Literally 'to exchange words'. Used for verbal exchanges, often in a slightly formal or literary context.
二人はしばらく言葉を交わした。
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.
彼らはその問題について激しく議論を戦わせた。
They argued back and forth fiercely about the issue.
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.
どの大学に行くか迷っている。
I'm going back and forth on which university to attend.
Literally 'feelings sway'. Expresses emotional wavering or being torn between options.
彼の気持ちはまだ揺れている。
His feelings are still going back and forth.
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.
An idiom meaning 'to hesitate' or 'to think twice'. Implies a back-and-forth in decision-making.
高い買い物なので二の足を踏んでいる。
Since it's an expensive purchase, I'm going back and forth on it.