て・
Use this pattern to add an action, posture, or state that describes how the main action is carried out. The negative form means that the main action happens without doing something.
How it works
The first verb answers a question such as “How?” or “In what state?” The two parts normally have the same doer, and the first action or its resulting state continues as the main action happens.
Positive and negative accompaniment
An action can create the accompanying state
The first verb may describe an action, but the important point is often the state produced by that action. Closing one's eyes, crossing one's arms, putting on clothing, or picking something up can all establish a state that continues during the main action.
彼は目を閉じて音楽を聞いていた。
He was listening to music with his eyes closed.
AnalyzeHis eyes remain closed while he listens.
Accompanying state or sequence?
The same te-form can also connect events in chronological order. In the attendant use, the first action or state continues while the main action occurs. In the neighboring sequential use, the first event finishes before the next one begins.
彼女は本を読んで、電気を消した。
She read the book and then turned off the light.
AnalyzeThis is sequence, not accompanying manner: the reading is completed before the light is turned off.
Without doing versus giving a cause
For “without doing,” use ないで. Replacing it with なくて often changes the relationship: the negative first part now gives a reason or cause rather than describing how the main action was performed.
朝ご飯を食べなくて、おなかがすいた。
I was hungry because I had not eaten breakfast.
AnalyzeThis is the neighboring causal use: not eating breakfast explains the hunger.
More examples
彼女は腕を組んで説明を聞いていた。
She listened to the explanation with her arms crossed.
Analyze子どもたちは手をつないで道を渡った。
The children crossed the road holding hands.
Analyze私は眼鏡をかけないで小さい字を読もうとした。
I tried to read the small print without wearing my glasses.
Analyze彼は何も言わないで部屋を出た。
He left the room without saying anything.
Analyze母は笑って私を迎えてくれた。
My mother greeted me with a smile.
Analyzeその登山者は片手に傘を持って階段を上った。
The hiker climbed the steps holding an umbrella in one hand.
Analyze