Processing keyword: Verb てから～ (〜te kara)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb てから～ (〜te kara)

Verb てから (〜te kara) Grammar Point Explanation

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point てから (te kara) is used to indicate that an action or event happens after another action has been completed. It combines the て-form of a verb with から, which means "after" or "since." This structure helps establish a sequence of actions in a clear and straightforward manner.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: てから (te kara) expresses "after doing [verb]..." or "after [action] has been completed..."
• Structure:
  • Verb て-form + から + Verb
• Formation Diagram:

Verb て-form → てから → Resulting Action

Visual Aids

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• Verb 終わってから (owatte kara): Specifically means "after finishing [something]."
• Verb たら (tara): This structure also indicates a sequence of actions but can be more conditional (e.g., "if/when [something happens]...").
  • Example: 食べたら (tabetara, "if/when I eat...") can imply a condition rather than just a sequence.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal:

   • 日本に行ってから、友達に会いました。
     (Nihon ni itte kara, tomodachi ni aimashita.)
     "I met my friend after going to Japan."

2. Informal:

   • 宿題をしてから、遊びに行く。
     (Shukudai o shite kara, asobi ni iku.)
     "I will go play after doing my homework."

3. Written:

   • 彼は旅行から帰ってから、疲れたと言った。
     (Kare wa ryokou kara kaette kara, tsukareta to itta.)
     "He said he was tired after returning from his trip."

4. Spoken:

   • 夕飯を食べてから、テレビを見ます。
     (Yūhan o tabete kara, terebi o mimasu.)
     "I will watch TV after I eat dinner."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using てから (te kara) is essential in Japanese to express the order of actions and maintain politeness. In Japanese culture, clarity of sequence is valued, as it can affect the understanding of plans or obligations.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Polite Speech: Consider using this structure in respectful conversations or formal situations.
• Casual Speech: This structure is commonly used in informal settings with friends and family.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 行ってから帰る (itte kara kaeru) - "go and then come back" often used when discussing travel or plans.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using a non-て-form verb before から.
  • Incorrect: 飲むから行きます。 (Nomu kara ikimasu.)
  • Correct: 飲んでから行きます。 (Nonde kara ikimasu.)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that てから leads to a subsequent action: "TE" = "Then/Event!"

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• てから expresses a sequence of actions, indicating one action follows another.
• Structure: Verb (て-form) + から + Resulting Action.
• Use properly to maintain clarity and politeness in communication.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express "after eating" using the verb 食べる (taberu)?
2. Rewrite the sentence "行きます" (I will go) to include "after studying" (勉強する, benkyou suru).
3. True or False: You can use てから with non-て-form verbs. These points will help reinforce your understanding of the grammar point Verb てから (〜te kara).