ていては
If one keeps doing something, When, If something is...
Structure
Explanation
The grammar pattern ていては is used to say 'if (someone) keeps doing X, then Y will happen'. It typically warns of a negative consequence that will result from a continued action or state. This structure is formed by taking the て-form of a verb, adding the て-form of 居る, and then finishing with the particle は. The ては component carries a conditional meaning, similar to 'if,' while the ている part adds the nuance of an ongoing situation.
- そんなにテレビばかりを見ていては、宿題が終わりませんよ。If you keep just watching TV like that, you'll never finish your homework.
- いつも遅くまで寝ていては、授業に間に合いませんよ。If you keep sleeping in late all the time, you're not going to make it to class.
- 失敗をこわがっていては、何も始まりませんよ。If you're always afraid of making mistakes, you'll never get anything started.
Fun-fact
The ては portion of ていては functions just like the one found in prohibitive expressions such as てはいけない or てはだめ. The addition of ている is what gives this grammar point its specific nuance of a continuing action or state leading to an undesirable result.
Examples
そんなやり方で勉強していては、いつまでたっても合格できないよ。
If you keep studying like that, you'll never be able to pass.
毎日ゲームばかりしていては、目が悪くなりますよ。
If you do nothing but play video games every day, your eyesight is going to get bad.
そんなに長い間寝ていては、逆に体力が落ちてしまうよ。
If you stay in bed for that long, you'll actually end up losing your strength.
エアコンが壊れていては、この夏を越せないよ。
With the air conditioner broken, there's no way we'll make it through the summer.
文句ばかり言っていては、誰からも好かれないよ。
If you do nothing but complain, nobody is going to like you.
道がこんなに混んでいては、約束の時間に間に合わない。
With the roads this congested, we're not going to make it in time for our appointment.
いつまでも他人に頼っていては、何も自分で決められなくなるよ。
If you keep depending on other people, you'll become someone who can't decide anything for themselves.
そんなに迷っていては、せっかくのチャンスを逃してしまいますよ。
If you keep hesitating like that, you're going to miss this great opportunity.
部屋がこんなに汚れていては、お客さんを呼べません。
With the room this dirty, we can't invite anyone over.
そんな不規則な生活をしていては、いつか体を壊しますよ。
If you keep living such an irregular lifestyle, you're going to ruin your health someday.
失敗を恐れていては、何も始まらない。
If you're always afraid of failure, you'll never get anything started.
人に言われたことだけやっていては、いつまでも成長できません。
If you only do what you're told, you'll never be able to grow as a person.