Japanese grammar
What does ～たて mean? Japanese grammar N3
～たて means freshly ~; just finished ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V-ます stem drop ます + たて |
| Romaji | tate |
| Meaning | freshly ~; just finished ~ |
Forming it
| Connection | V-masu, drop ます + たて |
|---|
How to use it
A suffix indicating something JUST completed, still in its freshest state. Attaches to the ます stem.
- 「Vます形＋たて」 = just finished doing, still in its fresh/new state: 「焼きたてのパン」 (freshly baked bread), 「できたて」, 「入りたて」.
- Emphasizes the QUALITY of the new state, different from 「～たばかり」 (only emphasizes that it just happened in time).
- The set of verbs it can combine with is limited: 焼く・作る・できる・入る・とる・炊く.
Examples
焼きたてのパンは香りがいい。
Freshly baked bread smells good.
この牛乳はしぼりたてです。
This milk is freshly drawn.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to the ます stem; the attributive form is 「～たての＋N」.
- Only a few verbs can combine with it — don't attach it freely.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong焼いたてのパンです。
Correct焼きたてのパンです。
～たて connects to the ます stem: 焼きます → 焼きたて.
Exam tips
- 「Vます形＋たて」 = just finished, still fresh (焼きたて); different from 「たばかり」 (only about timing).