Unit 1 - Section 1: て-form

Practice Quiz

Grammar Explanation

Usage of the Te-form (て形)

The te-form is an important verb conjugation in Japanese used to connect sentences, express sequence of actions, and more.

Te-form Conjugation Rules
Ichidan Verbs (る-verbs)
Remove 「る」 and add 「て」
  • 食たべる → 食たべて
  • 見みる → 見みて
Godan Verbs (う-verbs)
Conjugation rules vary depending on the verb ending
  • Ending in う / つ / る → って
    Example: 買かう → 買かって
  • Ending in む / ぬ / ぶ → んで
    Example: 飲のむ → 飲のんで
  • Ending in く → いて
    Example: 書かく → 書かいて (Exception: 行いく → 行いって)
  • Ending in ぐ → いで
    Example: 泳およぐ → 泳およいで
  • Ending in す → して
    Example: 話はなす → 話はなして
Irregular Verbs
  • する → して
  • 来くる → 来きて

Example Sentences

1. Connecting Two Actions
朝あさ、起おきて、顔かおを洗あらいます。
[Asa, okite, kao wo araimasu]
Translation: In the morning, I wake up and wash my face.
2. Expressing a Reason
雨あめが降ふって、試合しあいが中止ちゅうしになりました。
[Ame ga futte, shiai ga chuushi ni narimashita]
Translation: Because it rained, the game was canceled.
3. Expressing a Method / Means
電車でんしゃに乗のって、会社かいしゃに行いきます。
[Densha ni notte, kaisha ni ikimasu]
Translation: I go to the office by train.
4. Expressing a State
窓まどが開あいています。
[Mado ga aite imasu]
Translation: The window is open.

Vocabulary

起おきる
wake up / get up
洗あらう
wash
降ふる
fall (rain/snow)
乗のる
ride / take (a train, bus, etc.)
開あく
open
泳およぐ
swim
話はなす
speak / talk
買かう
buy

Study Key Points

Important Reminders:
  • The te-form is essential foundation for learning Japanese; master the conjugation rules thoroughly
  • Create flashcards and practice regularly
  • Pay special attention to the irregular conjugation of 「行く」
  • The te-form can be followed by many different expressions with varied uses
Practice Recommendations
  1. List common verbs and practice their te-form conjugations
  2. Connect daily activities using the te-form: waking up, washing face, eating breakfast...
  3. Describe methods of doing things: how to go to school, how to study, etc.