Verb + て【～て (Conjunction)】

The て-form of a verb is used as a conjunction to connect multiple actions or events in a single sentence. It functions similarly to "and" or "and then" in English, linking clauses together in sequence.

Sequential actions

The most common use of the て conjunction is to describe actions that happen one after another in chronological order.

You can chain multiple て-forms together to describe a series of actions:

Manner or method

The て conjunction can describe how something is done – the manner or means of an action.

Cause or reason

The て conjunction can also imply a cause-and-effect relationship between two events.

In these sentences, the first clause provides the reason for the second.

Important notes

• The tense of the entire sentence is determined by the final verb. The て-form itself does not carry tense.

  きのう昨日ともだち友達にあって会って、いっしょに一緒にごはんご飯をたべた食べた。

  Yesterday I met a friend and we ate together.

• The て conjunction generally implies that the subject is the same across both clauses, though this is not always the case.
• Be careful not to confuse the て conjunction with other て-form structures like 〜～ている (ongoing action) or 〜～てください (request).