This is a special form of words. You use it to connect actions or ideas. It can mean "and then," "because," or "by doing something."
Verb [て-form]Primary
い-Adjective [て-form]
な-Adjective + で
Noun + で
This is a special form of words. You use it to connect actions or ideas. It can mean "and then," "because," or "by doing something."
朝起きて、朝ご飯を食べた。
I woke up and then ate breakfast.
すみません、この漢字の読み方を教えてください。
Excuse me, please teach me how to read this kanji.
宿題をまだやっていなくて、先生に叱られた。
I hadn't done my homework yet, so I was scolded by the teacher.
このレストランは安くておいしいです。
This restaurant is cheap and delicious.
彼は親切で、いつもみんなを助けている。
He is kind and is always helping everyone.
The te-form is like a Swiss Army knife for sentences. It connects ideas in many ways. It can show steps, like 'eat and then sleep.' It can show a reason, like 'I had a headache, so I rested.' It can show how you do something, like 'go by walking.' It can also list features, like 'cheap and tasty.'
The te-form links actions. It is used a lot in talking. Another way to link actions is the stem form. But the stem form is more formal. It is for writing or special speech. The te-form is more common for daily talking.
Watch out: Do not use the te-form for unexpected results. For example, 'I took medicine and did not get better' is wrong. Use 'even though' or 'but' instead. The te-form shows a normal result.
Use this when you want to make a soft request. You can also use it to hint at something. It is like saying 'Could you help me...?' and letting the other person understand.
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