Meaning
Shows that the second action happens only after the first one is completed.
Formation
- て form + から — 洗ってから食べます
- It stresses that the first action is fully finished
When to use it
- Core use
- Only after this, then that
Examples
20 sentences-
手を洗ってから食べます
I eat after washing my hands.
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家に帰ってからシャワーを浴びます
I take a shower after I get home.
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宿題を終えてからゲームします
I play games only after finishing my homework.
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日本に来てから納豆が好きになりました
I came to like natto after coming to Japan.
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このアプリを使い始めてから毎日漢字を復習するようになりました
After I started using this app, I began reviewing kanji every day.
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電話してから行くとその店は席を用意してくれます
If you call first and then go, that restaurant will prepare a seat for you.
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薬は食事をしてから飲んでください
Please take the medicine after eating.
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予定を確認してから予約します
I will make the reservation after checking my schedule.
12 more examples
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大学を卒業してから日本の会社に入りました
After graduating from university, I joined a Japanese company.
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ガスを消したか確認してから出かけました
I went out after checking that the gas was off.
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小さな荷物を運んでから受付で名前を書きます
I will write my name at reception after I carry the small luggage.
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青い封筒を選んでから手紙を入れます
I will put a letter inside after I choose a blue envelope.
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古い雑誌を捨ててから部屋を掃除します
I will clean the room after I throw away the old magazines.
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台所の窓を開けてから料理を始めます
I will start cooking after I open the kitchen window.
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旅行の写真を見てから友達に電話します
I will call my friend after I look at the travel photos.
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短い手紙を書いてから切手を貼ります
I will put on a stamp after I write a short letter.
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友達の話を聞いてから自分の経験を話します
I will talk about my own experience after I listen to my friend's story.
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駅の名前を覚えてから地図を見ます
I will look at the map after I memorize the station name.
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家の鍵を探してから家を出ます
I will leave the house after I look for the house key.
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晩ご飯の準備をしてから家族を呼びます
I will call the family after I prepare dinner.
Important notes
- てから emphasizes that one action precedes the next.
Common mistakes
- 食べてから means after eating; 食べたから gives a reason, because I ate.
Check yourself
Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.
Similar grammar
Hear it in podcasts
The pattern appears in these episodes. They open in the app with the transcript and translation.
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