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Why can’t they get home? Losing the wallet is the cause; being unable to get home is the result.

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Lesson notes · ≈ 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

  1. Why can’t they get home? Losing the wallet is the cause; being unable to get home is the result.

    Why can’t they get home? Losing the wallet is the cause; being unable to get home is the result.

  2. The plane’s delay meant someone didn’t make it in time. Here, 「て」 links cause and result, not just events in sequence.

    The plane’s delay meant someone didn’t make it in time. Here, 「て」 links cause and result, not just events in sequence.

  3. When the cause is an action, use the verb’s て-form: 「なくす→なくして」.

    When the cause is an action, use the verb’s て-form: 「なくす→なくして」.

  4. When the cause is a noun, use “noun + で”. What caused the train’s delay in the picture?

    When the cause is a noun, use “noun + で”. What caused the train’s delay in the picture?

  5. 「雪で」 means “because of the snow”. Here, 「で」 marks the cause, not the place where an action happens.

    「雪で」 means “because of the snow”. Here, 「で」 marks the cause, not the place where an action happens.

  6. 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 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.

    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」.

    Don’t use a request or command in the second clause. To explain why you’re asking someone for help, use 「から」.

    • Example sentences

    • 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をo無くしなくしnakushiて、てte帰れません。かえれませんkaeremasen

      I lost my wallet, so I cannot go home.

    In a conversation

    • A
      どうしましたか。かそんなに焦っあせっている様子ようすですが。が

      A: What is wrong? You seem very rushed.

    • B
      財布さいふをなくして、て帰れないかえれないんです。です

      B: I lost my wallet, and I cannot go home.

    • A
      大丈夫ですだいじょうぶですか。か一緒いっしょに探しましょうさがしましょうか。か

      A: Are you okay? Shall we look for it together?

    • B
      ありがとうございます。ございますぜひお願いおねがいします。します

      B: Thank you. I really appreciate it.

    Check yourself

    1. Level 1 · Recognise

      Which sentence is correct?

    2. Level 1 · Recognise

      Listen and choose the meaning

    3. Level 2 · Build

      Put the words in order

      I lost my wallet and can't go home.

    4. 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.

    More grammar in this theme

    • 〜てしまいましたregret: ended up doing
    • 〜かもしれませんpossibility: might be
    • 〜たあとで、〜after doing, then
    • 〜ていただけませんかvery polite request
    • 〜て、〜／〜で、〜cause and result
    • 〜たら、〜たdiscovery after an action
    Previous〜ていただけませんかNext〜たら、〜た

    Keep practising

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