What is “te kara” (てから)?
“Te kara” is a Japanese grammatical structure used to show that one action occurs after another. It connects two clauses, indicating that the second action starts only after the first action has been completed. In English, it can be translated as “after doing” or “after (something) happens.”
How to Form “te kara”
To use “te kara,” start with the te-form of a verb, then add “kara.” Here’s the basic structure:
Verb (te-form) + から + second action
For example:
食べてから勉強します。
(Tabetekara benkyou shimasu.)
After eating, I will study.
Step-by-Step Formation
- Take the first verb and convert it to its te-form.
- Add “から” (kara) immediately after the te-form.
- Follow with the second action or verb in its appropriate form.
Examples of “te kara” in Use
-
家に帰ってから、シャワーを浴びます。
Ie ni kaette kara, shawaa o abimasu.
After I get home, I take a shower. -
朝ごはんを食べてから、学校に行きます。
Asagohan o tabete kara, gakkou ni ikimasu.
After eating breakfast, I go to school. -
本を読んでから寝ます。
Hon o yonde kara nemasu.
After reading a book, I go to bed.
Nuances and Usage Tips
It’s important to note that “te kara” emphasizes the completion of the first action before the second begins. The first action must be fully finished before moving on to the next. This is different from the simple te-form, which can sometimes show actions happening in quick succession, not necessarily in strict order.
For example:
-
図書館に行って勉強します。
Toshokan ni itte benkyou shimasu.
I go to the library and study. (Actions may overlap or follow quickly.) -
図書館に行ってから勉強します。
Toshokan ni itte kara benkyou shimasu.
After going to the library, I study. (The studying starts only after arriving at the library.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “te kara” when the first action isn’t fully finished: Only use “te kara” when the first action is clearly completed before the next begins.
- Mixing up with the simple te-form: Remember, the te-form without “kara” can imply sequence, but not necessarily completion.
- Forgetting the te-form: Always convert the first verb to its correct te-form before adding “kara.”
Practice Makes Perfect
To master “te kara,” try writing sentences about your daily routine or recent experiences using this grammar point. Practice with a language partner, tutor, or AI tools like Talkpal to reinforce your understanding and get instant feedback. The more you use “te kara” in context, the more natural it will become in your spoken and written Japanese.
Summary
“Te kara” is a valuable grammar point that allows you to describe sequential actions with clarity and precision. By forming sentences with the te-form of a verb followed by “kara,” you can clearly indicate that one action happens only after the previous one has been completed. Practice using “te kara” regularly, and you will find your Japanese communication becoming smoother and more accurate. For more in-depth grammar explanations and interactive practice, check out the resources available on the Talkpal AI language learning blog and continue your journey to Japanese fluency with confidence!
