How to Say ‘Have been doing’ in Japanese
をしてきました
o shi te ki mashi ta
[oh shee teh kee mah-shee tah]
💬 Usage Tip: してきました means have done up to now, often used for work experience. It sounds more connected to your career history than plain しました。
Phrase Breakdown
を
o
[oh]
object marker
A particle marking the direct object of a verb.
営業の仕事をしてきました。
I have done sales work.
し
shi
[shee]
do
The stem of する, used in many verb forms meaning 'to do'.
新しい仕事をしながら学びました。
I learned while doing a new job.
て
te
[teh]
and; -ing
The て-form ending used to connect actions or make verb expressions.
努力して成長しました。
I worked hard and grew.
き
ki
[kee]
come; have been
Part of 〜てきました, showing something has continued up to now.
日本で働いてきました。
I have been working in Japan.
まし
mashi
[mah-shee]
polite non-past stem
Part of the polite ending ます／ました used in formal speech.
毎日勉強しまし た。
I studied every day.
た
ta
[tah]
past tense ending
The ending part of a polite past verb form.
昨日応募しまし た。
I applied yesterday.
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”
Mia S., 25, English Teacher
“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”
James O., 28, Remote Worker
“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”
Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager