「ていく」- Continuation into the Future

Explanation

In Japanese, 〜ていく is a common grammatical structure used to describe an action or state that continues from the present into the future. The structure is pronounced as 「ていく」, where 「いく」 carries the meaning of "going." This pattern typically follows the て-form of a verb, forming the structure verbて-form + いく, and indicates the continuation or change of an action or state.

Basic Concepts

The main uses of 〜ていく include:

• Continuation of an action: Indicates that an action will continue into the future, often used to describe future plans or resolutions.
• Change of state: Describes a gradual change in a state that starts now and continues into the future.
• Sequence of actions: Indicates that after completing one action, another action follows.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
〜ていく	Verbて-form + いく	Indicates the continuation of an action or state from the present into the future.

Detailed Usage

Continuation of an Action

When 〜ていく is used to indicate the continuation of an action, it typically describes an action that starts now and continues into the future.

• これからこれからも勉強べんきょうを続けつづけていきます。
• Kore kara mo benkyou o tsuzukete ikimasu.
• I will continue studying from now on.
  

• 彼かれは日本にほんで働きはたらき続けつづけていく予定よていです。
• Kare wa Nihon de hataraki tsuzukete iku yotei desu.
• He plans to continue working in Japan.
  

Change of State

〜ていく can also be used to describe a gradual change in state, often accompanied by adverbs indicating degree or process, such as 「だんだん」 or 「ますます」.

• 秋あきになると、だんだん木きの葉はの色いろが変わってかわっていきます。
• Aki ni naru to, dandan ki no ha no iro ga kawatte ikimasu.
• As autumn arrives, the color of the leaves gradually changes.
  

• 技術ぎじゅつが進歩しんぽしていくにつれて、生活せいかつが便利べんりになっていきます。
• Gijutsu ga shinpo shite iku ni tsurete, seikatsu ga benri ni natte ikimasu.
• As technology advances, life becomes more convenient.
  

Deep Dive

〜ていく is not only used to describe the continuation of actions and changes in state but can also express future expectations. For example, when describing a plan or decision, using 〜ていく clearly conveys this sense of continuity and forward-looking perspective. The verb's form affects the overall tone of the sentence, making the speaker's intention clearer.

Comparison and Differences

Difference between 〜ていく and 〜てくる

Both 〜ていく and 〜てくる are common auxiliary verbs in Japanese, but their usage and meanings differ. 〜ていく indicates an action or state moving away from the speaker, continuing from the present into the future, while 〜てくる indicates an action or state moving toward the speaker, continuing from the past to the present.

Expression	Usage	Example	English Translation
〜ていく	Indicates an action or state moving away from the speaker, continuing into the future	彼かれは走ってはしっていきました。	He ran away.
〜てくる	Indicates an action or state moving toward the speaker, continuing from the past to the present	彼かれは走ってはしってきました。	He ran over here.

Common Mistakes

• When misusing 〜ていく, it is often confused with 〜てくる, especially when describing the direction of an action. It's important to note that the former emphasizes continuation from the present into the future, while the latter emphasizes continuation from the past to the present.
• When using 〜ていく, sometimes the verb form is overlooked, leading to incorrect grammar. Ensure that the verb is in its て-form.

Real-Life Scenarios

• In daily life, 〜ていく is often used to express future plans, such as:
  • 将来しょうらいのために、今いまから準備じゅんびを進めてすすめていきます。
  • Shourai no tame ni, ima kara junbi o susumete ikimasu.
  • For the future, I will start preparing now.
    
• When describing changes, such as:
  • だんだん寒くさむくなっていくでしょう。
  • Dandan samuku natte iku deshou.
  • It will probably get colder and colder.
    

Summary

〜ていく is a highly useful Japanese grammatical structure that helps describe the continuation of an action or state from the present into the future. Mastering this grammar point will enhance your ability to express yourself in Japanese.