Processing keyword: Verb ては Verb (~ te wa ~)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ては Verb (~ te wa ~)

Verb ては Verb (ては)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar pattern Verb ては Verb, which is used to express repeated or habitual actions, often highlighting a cycle of contrasting or alternating activities. This structure is commonly found in narratives and descriptions to convey continuous or repetitive actions.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The pattern Verb ては Verb is used to describe the repetition of actions, often suggesting a cycle where one action leads to another, repeatedly. It can convey the sense of "doing something over and over again" or "doing A and then B repeatedly."

Structure

The structure of the grammar point is as follows:

Verb (て-form) + は + Verb

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

• Verb たり Verb たりする: Used to list actions among others, implying that the actions happen but not necessarily repeatedly or in a cycle.
  • Example: 週末は映画を見たり、本を読んだりします。
• Verb ながら Verb: Indicates two actions happening simultaneously.
  • Example: 音楽を聞きながら勉強する。 Verb ては Verb specifically emphasizes the repetition or alternation of actions in a cyclical manner.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1 (Informal)

日本語: 彼は部屋を片付けては散らかしている。 Romaji: Kare wa heya o katadzukete wa chirakashite iru. English: He keeps tidying up the room and then messing it up again.

Example 2 (Formal)

日本語: 彼女は書いては消し、書いては消しで、手紙がなかなか完成しない。 Romaji: Kanojo wa kaite wa keshi, kaite wa keshi de, tegami ga nakanaka kansei shinai. English: She writes and erases over and over, so the letter isn't getting finished.

Example 3 (Written)

日本語: 雨が降っては止み、降っては止みで、天気が安定しない。 Romaji: Ame ga futte wa yami, futte wa yami de, tenki ga antei shinai. English: The rain keeps starting and stopping, so the weather isn't stable.

Example 4 (Spoken)

日本語: 子供たちは喧嘩しては仲直りを繰り返している。 Romaji: Kodomo-tachi wa kenka shite wa nakanaori o kurikaeshite iru. English: The children keep fighting and making up repeatedly.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese storytelling and daily conversation, expressing repetitive actions emphasizes the speaker's feelings about the monotony or the cyclical nature of events. This pattern can convey frustration, persistence, or the natural ebb and flow of circumstances.

Levels of Politeness

The structure Verb ては Verb is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Politeness is adjusted by the verb forms that follow the pattern.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 行っては戻り、行っては戻り: Going and returning repeatedly.
• 飲んでは吐き、飲んでは吐き: Drinking and vomiting repeatedly (often used to describe overindulgence).

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Confusing Verb ては Verb with Verb たり Verb たりする.
  • Incorrect Usage: 音楽を聞いては勉強する。
  • Issue: This suggests a repetitive cycle between listening to music and studying, which may not be intended.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate ては with "and then," implying a back-and-forth action.
• Tip: Practice by thinking of pairs of actions that naturally repeat or alternate.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb ては Verb expresses repetitive or cyclical actions.
• It highlights a sequence where one action leads to another repeatedly.
• Neutral in politeness; context adjusts formality.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank: 友達は映画を見ては________している。 A) 笑い B) 泣き C) 食べ
2. True or False: The pattern Verb ては Verb is used to describe two actions happening at the same time.
3. Translate: 彼は本を読んでは眠くなる。

Answers

1. B) 泣き Friend keeps watching movies and crying.
2. False It describes repetitive or cyclical actions, not simultaneous actions.
3. English: He reads books and then gets sleepy.