～て (Sequence)
And, And then, After that (sequence)
Structure
Explanation
By changing a verb into its て form and placing another verb after it, you can express a series of actions that occur in a specific order. This is commonly translated as 'do (A) and then do (B)'.
- うちに帰って、宿題をします。To go home and then do homework.
- シャワーを浴びて、寝た。I took a shower and then went to bed.
Caution
It is important to remember that this grammar point connects actions chronologically, meaning 'first I did (A), and after that I did (B)'. To list various activities without implying a specific sequence, a different structure is required. For instance, たり～たりする is used for sentences like 'I did things such as (B), and (A), and also (C)'.
Examples
窓を開けて空気を入れた。
I opened the window and let in some fresh air.
彼女は電気を消して部屋を出ていきました。
She turned off the lights and left the room.
週末は部屋を掃除して、洗濯して、ゆっくりします。
This weekend I will clean my room (and), do laundry, and relax.
「駅に着いてどうやって来たの？」
'How did you get here after you arrived at the station?'
('You arrived at the station, and then how did you get here?')
公園で犬と遊んでうちに帰りました。
I played with my dog at the park, and then we went home.
郵便局に行って、この手紙を出します。
I will go to the post office and mail this letter.
彼はカバンを置いてコートを脱いだ。
He put down his bag and took off his coat.
「ちょっと横になって休みたい。」
'I want to lie down for a bit and rest.'
宿題を終わらせて寝たんですよ。
I finished my homework and went to bed.
「その本を読んでどう思ったんですか。」
'What did you think after you read that book?'
('You read that book and what did you think?')
「家に帰って、お風呂に入って、ビールを飲んだ。」
'I got home (and), took a bath, and drank a beer.'
「昨日は友達と会って、晩ご飯を食べました。」
'Yesterday, I met my friend and we ate dinner.'