〜て
te-form (connecting)
〜て is a て-form extension that expresses te-form (connecting). The て-form is one of the most productive patterns in Japanese — by combining it with various helper verbs and expressions, you can express a wide range of meanings from ongoing actions to requests to sequential events.
This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.
Structure
Verb → て-form + [continuation]
う→って、く→いて、ぐ→いで、す→して etc.
Formation#
| Verb Type | Dictionary Form | て-Form |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 (く) | 書く | 書いて |
| Group 1 (ぐ) | 泳ぐ | 泳いで |
| Group 1 (す) | 話す | 話して |
| Group 1 (む/ぬ/ぶ) | 飲む | 飲んで |
| Group 1 (つ/る/う) | 待つ | 待って |
| Group 2 | 食べる | 食べて |
| する | する | して |
| くる | くる | きて |
| Exception | 行く | 行って |
Group 1 verbs follow specific sound change rules based on their final kana.
When to Use#
- Connecting sequential actions: 起きて、顔を洗った (I woke up and washed my face)
- Describing manner: 歩いて学校に行く (I walk to school)
- Making casual requests: ちょっと待って (Wait a moment)
When NOT to Use#
- In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected
Example Sentences#
- ここから歩いて五分です。 — It's a 5-minute walk from here.
- 間違えて電車に乗りました。 — I got on the wrong train.
- パソコンを使って勉強します。 — I use a computer to study.
Practice#
Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:
It's a 5-minute walk from here.
ここから歩いて五分です。
ここから歩いて五分だ。
I got on the wrong train.
間違えて電車に乗りました。
間違えて電車に乗った。
Common Mistakes#
- Incorrect て-form conjugation — Make sure you correctly form the て-form of the preceding verb before attaching this pattern. Group 1 verbs have sound changes (く→いて, ぐ→いで, す→して, etc.).
Related Patterns#
- 〜ていない (not doing / not in state) — Next step
- 〜ている (ongoing action / state) — Next step
- 〜てください (please do ~) — Next step
- 〜てくる (go and come back / begin to) — Next step
- 〜てもいい (may / it's okay to) — Next step
Related Patterns
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