て・
Use these forms to join states, qualities, identities, or other descriptions that naturally belong together. They often correspond to “and” in English, without presenting the descriptions as separate steps.
Joining descriptions
The earlier description takes its linking form, while the last description completes the sentence. The link does not itself mean that one event happened before another.
The four main patterns
Each sentence presents compatible facts or qualities together.
姉は大阪に住んでいて、会社員です。
My older sister lives in Osaka and is a company employee.
AnalyzeThe continuing state of living somewhere is linked to another fact about the same person.
このかばんは軽くて、丈夫です。
This bag is light and sturdy.
Analyzeこの町は静かで、安全です。
This town is quiet and safe.
Analyze兄は医者で、父は教師です。
My older brother is a doctor, and my father is a teacher.
AnalyzeSeveral descriptions before one noun
You can also link several qualities before a noun. Only the earlier description uses the linking form; the last adjective appears in its normal form before the noun.
広くて明るい部屋を借りました。
I rented a spacious, bright room.
Analyze広くて links the first quality to 明るい, which directly modifies the noun.
More examples
この公園は広くて、木も多いです。
This park is spacious and has lots of trees.
Analyze山田さんは親切で、話しやすいです。
Yamada is kind and easy to talk to.
Analyze田中さんは学生で、妹も学生です。
Tanaka is a student, and his younger sister is a student too.
Analyze祖父は京都に住んでいて、祖母は奈良に住んでいます。
My grandfather lives in Kyoto, and my grandmother lives in Nara.
Analyze白くて丸い皿を買いました。
I bought a white, round plate.
Analyze旅行中は天気がよくて、食事もおいしかったです。
During the trip, the weather was good, and the food was delicious too.
Analyze