て
Connective / And / So
te
TypeConjunctive
JLPT Leveln5
Summary
Connects verbs and adjectives in series (〜て, 'and then'), or expresses reason/cause. The most versatile conjunctive particle.
Usage Rules
- •Connects sequential actions: VてV = do A and then B
- •Cause/reason: 〜て = because/since
- •Requests: 〜てください = please do
- •Progressive: 〜ている = is doing
- •Permission: 〜てもいい = may do
- •Prohibition: 〜てはいけない = must not
Example Sentences
あさおきて、かおをあらう。
I wake up and wash my face.
のどがかわいて水をのんだ。
I was thirsty so I drank water.
すわってください。
Please sit down.
今べんきょうしている。
I'm studying now.
ここにすんでもいいですか？
May I live here?
Common Mistake
Using て with い-adjectives directly (use くて instead: 暑くて, not 暑いて).