Connecting Sequential Actions
The て form is used to connect multiple actions in sequence, like "and then" in English.
Pattern
Verb (て form), Verb (て form), Verb (final)
Do X, then Y, then Z
Examples
朝起きて、シャワーを浴びて、朝ご飯を食べます。
Asa okite, shawaa o abite, asa gohan o tabemasu.
I wake up, take a shower, and eat breakfast.
家に帰って、宿題をしました。
Ie ni kaette, shukudai o shimashita.
I went home and did homework.
本を買って、喫茶店で読みました。
Hon o katte, kissaten de yomimashita.
I bought a book and read it at a café.
Manner of Action: 〜て + Verb
The て form can describe how an action is performed.
Examples
歩いて学校に行きます。
Aruite gakkou ni ikimasu.
I go to school on foot (by walking).
電車に乗って会社に行きます。
Densha ni notte kaisha ni ikimasu.
I go to work by train.
箸を使って食べます。
Hashi o tsukatte tabemasu.
I eat using chopsticks.
Cause and Reason
The て form can also express reason or cause (similar to "because" or "so").
Examples
病気になって、学校を休みました。
Byouki ni natte, gakkou o yasumimashita.
I got sick and missed school.
電車が遅れて、遅刻しました。
Densha ga okurete, chikoku shimashita.
The train was delayed, so I was late.
お金がなくて、買えませんでした。
Okane ga nakute, kaemasendeshita.
I didn't have money, so I couldn't buy it.
Note
For adjectives and nouns, use くて (for い-adj) and で (for な-adj/nouns) to connect.
Connecting Adjectives
To connect adjectives, use くて for い-adjectives and で for な-adjectives.
い-adjectives (〜くて)
この部屋は広くて、明るいです。
Kono heya wa hirokute, akarui desu.
This room is spacious and bright.
この本は安くて、面白いです。
Kono hon wa yasukute, omoshiroi desu.
This book is cheap and interesting.
な-adjectives (〜で)
彼女は親切で、優しいです。
Kanojo wa shinsetsu de, yasashii desu.
She is kind and gentle.
この街は静かで、きれいです。
Kono machi wa shizuka de, kirei desu.
This town is quiet and beautiful.