Japanese grammar
What does ～ては mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ては means whenever… happens, … repeatedly happens.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vて形 + は + ～ Vては + Vて + の繰り返し |
| Romaji | teha |
| Meaning | whenever… happens, … repeatedly happens |
Forming it
| Verb (write) | 書いて + は |
|---|---|
| Verb (tidy up) | 片づけて + は |
How to use it
States an action repeating in a cycle, often with a nuance of annoyance or futility.
- 「～ては」 states a REPEATING cycle: doing A leads to B, over and over again. Usually carries an annoyed/futile nuance.
- Often paired with two opposing clauses: 「書いては消し、書いては消し」 (write and erase, write and erase).
- Different from 「～たびに」 (every time A, then B, neutral): 「ては」 emphasizes a repeating CYCLE and is usually negative.
Examples
書いては消し、書いては消しで、なかなか進まない。
Writing and erasing, over and over — I’m getting nowhere.
片づけては散らかされ、きりがない。
I tidy up only for it to be messed up again — it never ends.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to the て-form + は.
- The two clauses are usually repeated to describe a cycle.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong毎朝起きては、顔を洗います。
Every morning when I wake up, I wash my face.
Correct毎朝起きたら、顔を洗います。
「ては」 emphasizes a repeating cycle with an annoyed/futile nuance; a neutral habit uses 「たら」.
-
Wrong書くては消す。
I keep writing and erasing.
Correct書いては消す。
Attaches to the て-form (書いて) + は.
Exam tips
- 「ては」 = a repeating cycle (usually annoyed/futile); different from the neutral 「たびに」.