Japanese grammar
What does ～ては～、～ては～ mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ては～、～ては～ means repeatedly… and then….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vて形 + は + V、+ Vて形 + は + V |
| Romaji | teha , teha |
| Meaning | repeatedly… and then… |
Forming it
| Repeated pair (fall/rise) | 転んでは起き + 、転んでは起き |
|---|---|
| Repeated pair (write/erase) | 書いては消し + 、書いては消し |
How to use it
The DOUBLED form of 「～ては」: repeats it twice to describe a prolonged cycle, emphasizing tedium/futility.
- 「～ては～、～ては～」 repeats the 「ては」 structure twice to emphasize a prolonged cycle: "A then B, A then B, over and over".
- Different from the single form 「～ては」 (see 「～ては」) in that it emphasizes the persistent repetition more strongly.
- The two clauses are usually a pair of opposing actions (doing ↔ ruining, writing ↔ erasing).
Examples
書いては消し、書いては消しで、原稿が進まない。
Write, erase, write, erase — the draft goes nowhere.
転んでは起き、転んでは起きして、ここまで来た。
Falling and getting up, over and over, I’ve made it this far.
Keep in mind
- Repeats the structure twice.
- The two clauses are usually opposites.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong通勤しては、電子書籍を読んでいます。
Every time I commute, I read an e-book.
Correct通勤のたびに電子書籍を読んでいます。
A neutral habit uses 「たびに」; 「ては」 emphasizes a persistent repeating cycle (usually annoyed/futile).
-
Wrong書いては消し、勉強しては休む。
Write then erase, study then rest, over and over.
Correct書いては消し、書いては消しする。
The doubled form must repeat the SAME pair of actions — don't combine two different pairs.
Exam tips
- 「ては～、ては～」 = the doubled form of 「ては」, emphasizing a persistent cycle.