Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 4: 16/18

~てはIf, With, Since, Because

Structure

Verb[て]+ (1)
[い]Adjective[て]+
[な]Adjective + (2)
Noun + (2)

(1) Verb[] + ちゃ
(2) じゃ

Details

  • Standard

About ては

When the particles て and は are combined, they form a regular composite structure that is used primarily to highlight repeating actions, or to make assessments or judgments about potential situations. In this grammar structure, we will be looking at the nuance that is used with potential situations. This may be interpreted simply as 'if (A), (B)', 'when (A), (B)', or 'because of (A), (B)'.

At times when used as 'if', ては will generally express some sort of negative expectation or comment.

Depending on what ては appears after, では may be used instead. This is the case when following nouns, な-Adjectives, or verbs that require で to be used instead of て when conjugating.

As with many other structures that use ては or では, it will often be shortened to じゃ or ちゃ.



Examples

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  • 無理(むり)()っぱっては(こわ)れてしまいますよ!

    If you pull it forcibly, it will break!

  • ()(まえ)にそんなコーヒーを()んでは()られない。

    If you drink coffee before going to bed, you won't be able to sleep a wink.

  • こんなに塩辛(しおから)ては()(もの)にならないよ。

    If it is this salty, it will not sell.

  • そんな服装(ふくそう)ではあの(みせ)には()れてもらえないよ。

    With those clothes, you won't be able to enter that shop.

  • そのような()()では周囲(しゅうい)はあなたを「馬鹿(ばか)(ひと)」と評価(ひょうか)し、(だれ)もあなたに(たい)して真面目(まじめ)相手(あいて)をしないでしょう。

    With behavior like that, you will be labeled a fool by those around you and no one will treat you seriously.

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    ては – Grammar Discussion

    Most Recent Replies (1 in total)

    • Rewdemon

      Rewdemon

      This one made me feel a little overwhelmed lol. Halfway through N2 I learn yet another way to say “if” with yet another new nuance?

      Did someone make a list of all the possible ‘if…then’ structures and their nuances? I reckon it would come in handy.

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