Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 3

〜て、〜／〜で、〜~te, ~/~de, ~

cause and result

Use 〜て or noun + で to give a cause, then state its result or a natural feeling.

How it works

Why can’t they get home? Losing the wallet is the cause; being unable to get home is the result.
The plane’s delay meant someone didn’t make it in time. Here, 「て」 links cause and result, not just events in sequence.
When the cause is an action, use the verb’s て-form: 「なくす→なくして」.
When the cause is a noun, use “noun + で”. What caused the train’s delay in the picture?
「雪で」 means “because of the snow”. Here, 「で」 marks the cause, not the place where an action happens.
The second clause often describes a result beyond someone’s control, such as a delay, not making it in time, or being unable to get home.
The second clause can also express a feeling that arises naturally, such as happiness or surprise after something happens.
Don’t use a request or command in the second clause. To explain why you’re asking someone for help, use 「から」.

飛行ひこうhikou機きkiがga遅れおくれokureて、てte間に合いませんでした。まにあいませんでしたmaniaimasendeshita
The flight was delayed, and I did not make it in time.
財布さいふsaifu

Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
I lost my wallet and can't go home.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
電車が止まっています。
Due to an accident, the train is stopped.