Structure
Verb[ます](*) + まくる
Verb[て]+ Verb[て]+ Verb[ます](*) + まくる
(*) Verb has to be volitional (can be controlled by the will of a doer)
Details
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Standard
About まくる
まくる is a verb that will be attached to the conjunctive form of other verbs in order to show that (A) is being done over and over, a lot, or with a great amount of vigor. It comes from the verb う-Verb 捲る 'to roll', or 'to turn', so means 'to do (A) around and again'. Common translations include 'to (A) like crazy', 'to do nothing but (A)', and 'to constantly do (A)'.
As mentioned, this structure will attach to the conjunctive form of other verbs.
This structure may be used both in positive or negative contexts, and it is quite common for the nuance of まくる to indicate that (A) is being done recklessly, or with abandon. This implies that the speaker isn't thinking about the consequences of doing (A) repeatedly, if any may exist.
Caution
The (A) verb must be something that is volitional, meaning that the speaker must have control over it and its repetition.
- しゃっくりが出まくりすぎて苦しい。I am having a hard time breathing because I am hiccuping like crazy. (Unnatural Japanese)
Examples
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はやせとなおとは狂ったように踊って踊って踊りまくった。
Hayase and Naoto danced like crazy.
「最近、チョコを食べまくっているからちょっと太った。」
'I've been eating chocolate like crazy lately, so I've gained some weight.'
締め切りが近いから、原稿を書きまくった。
Because the deadline is close, I was writing the draft like crazy.
時間さえあれば走りまくっている彼の足はたくましいです。
He, who runs like crazy so long as he has time, has strong legs.
ストレス発散でメイク道具を買いまくったせいで金欠になった。
Due to buying makeup goods one after the other to relieve stress, I have no money.
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How to use まくる
Maggie Sensei
~捲る
IMABI
To repeat something with reckless abandon using 「まくる」
Tae Kim's Guide to Learning Japanese
Offline
Try N1
Page 123
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まくる – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (3 in total)
Redglare
I was scratching my head over what this was supposed to mean, but I think I found the answer. Seems like I wasn’t the only one confused about “volitional verbs”.
mrnoone
Hey @Redglare
I have modified the structure a bit, what do you think?
Cheers!
ps Cute avatar
Redglare
Hi! Looks good to me, now it is clearer what volitional means. Thank you!
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