JLPT N4 · Time and reason

〜て/で

A cause expressed with the te-form

Meaning

Links a cause to a natural result that is usually outside the speaker's control.

Formation

  1. The cause goes into the て or で form: 風邪をひいて, 道が込んでいて
  2. No request, order or intention in the second clause

When to use it

Core use
A cause expressed with the te-form

Example

風邪かぜひい学校がっこう休みやすみました

I caught a cold and missed school.

Important notes

  • Pay attention to the word form before the construction and to the particles around it.

Common mistakes

  • Do not translate the pattern word for word; first identify its function in the whole situation.

Similar grammar

    All N4 grammarOpen in the app