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

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

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point 〜てから (te kara) is used to indicate that one action occurs after another action has been completed. It emphasizes the sequence of events, showing that the second action only takes place once the first action is finished.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

〜てから means "after doing [Verb]". It connects two actions in a sequence, highlighting that the second action happens subsequent to the completion of the first action.

Structure

To form this grammar point, take the て-form of a verb and add から, followed by the next action. Formation:

Verb (て-form) + から + Action B

Example:

• 食べる (to eat) → 食べてから (after eating)
• 食べてから、勉強します。
  • I will study after eating.

Formation Diagram

Step	Description	Example
1	Convert the first verb to its て-form	見る → 見て
2	Add から after the て-form	見てから
3	Add the second action	見てから、寝ます。
Result	Combined sentence indicating sequence	I will sleep after watching (TV).

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3. Comparative Analysis

〜てから vs 〜たあとで

Both 〜てから and 〜たあとで mean "after doing ~", but there are subtle differences:

• 〜てから emphasizes that the second action occurs immediately after the first action is completed.
• 〜たあとで can be used more generally for any time after the completion of the first action, not necessarily immediately. Example:
• 宿題をしてから、テレビを見ます。
  • I will watch TV after doing my homework (immediately after).
• 宿題をしたあとで、テレビを見ます。
  • I will watch TV after doing my homework (at some point afterward).

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4. Examples in Context

Informal Speech

1. 映画を見てから、食事に行こう。
   • Let's go eat after watching the movie.
2. 彼女に会ってから、気持ちが変わった。
   • My feelings changed after meeting her.

Formal Speech

3. 資料を確認してから、ご連絡いたします。
   • I will contact you after reviewing the documents.
4. 新しいプロジェクトが終わってから、休暇を取ります。
   • I will take a vacation after finishing the new project.

Written Language

5. 彼は退職してから、農業を始めた。
   • He started farming after retiring.
6. 準備ができてから、お知らせします。
   • We will inform you after the preparations are complete.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, the order and sequence of actions are significant, especially regarding social etiquette and rituals. Using 〜てから correctly reflects an understanding of these sequences.

• Examples:
  • Removing shoes after entering a house's genkan (玄関).
  • Saying "itadakimasu" before eating.

Levels of Politeness

When using 〜てから in formal situations, ensure that verbs are conjugated into their polite forms where appropriate.

• Example:
  • お客様が帰ってから、会議を始めます。
    • We will start the meeting after the guests leave.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 考えてから行動する
  • Act after thinking (Think before you act).
• 失敗してから学ぶ
  • Learn after failing.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the plain form instead of the て-form before から
   • Incorrect: 食べるから、行きます。
   • Correct: 食べてから、行きます。
   • Tip: Always use the て-form of the verb before から when expressing "after doing ~".
2. Confusing with から meaning "because"
   • Incorrect: 疲れてから、早く寝ます。
     • This could be misinterpreted as "After being tired, I will sleep early."
   • Intended Meaning: Because I am tired, I will sleep early.
   • Correct: 疲れたから、早く寝ます。
   • Tip: Remember that when から follows the plain form of a verb (辞書形 or た形), it often means "because".

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Think of てから as "Te-form + kara (after)" to remember that it requires the て-form.
• Practice Conjugation:
  • Regularly practice converting verbs to their て-form to become comfortable with this structure.
• Usage Practice:
  • Create sentences about your daily routine using 〜てから to internalize the sequence of actions.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• 〜てから is used to express that one action happens after another action is completed.
• The first verb must be in the て-form, followed by から.
• It emphasizes the immediate sequence of actions.
• Be cautious not to confuse it with から meaning "because".

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form a sentence using 〜てから?
   • Answer: Use the て-form of the first verb + から + the second action.
2. Which form of the verb is used before から to mean "after doing ~"?
   • Answer: The て-form of the verb.
3. Correct the sentence:
   • 仕事が終わるから、飲みに行きましょう。
   • Answer: 仕事が終わってから、飲みに行きましょう。

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By understanding and practicing 〜てから, you can effectively communicate sequences of actions in Japanese, enhancing both your spoken and written skills.

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