Translation guide
A guide to expressing sequence, addition, and consequence in Japanese, covering common conjunctions, particles, and sentence patterns.
To connect two actions or events in chronological order, like 'A happened, and then B happened'.
The て-form of a verb is the most common way to link sequential actions. It simply lists events in order.
I ate breakfast and then went to school.
I went home and then immediately went to bed.
A conjunction meaning 'after that' or 'and then'. Used between sentences or clauses to clearly mark the next event.
We watched a movie, and then we went to a restaurant.
Similar to 'and then', but can also simply mean 'and'. Often used in storytelling.
He stood up, and then he began to speak.
Literally 'after doing V'. Emphasizes the completion of the first action before the second.
Let's go for a drink after work (and then).
To add another piece of information, similar to 'and also' or 'furthermore'.
To indicate that the second event is a result of the first, like 'and so' or 'and then as a result'.
The て-form can also imply a cause-and-effect relationship, especially when the result is natural or expected.
It rained, and then the game was canceled.
Formal expression meaning 'as a result'. Used in writing or formal speech.
To list steps in a process or events in a story, often with a sense of 'next'.
Do not directly translate 'and then' as とそして or とそれから. The word 'and' is usually not translated separately; instead, use the て-form or conjunctions like それから.
それから emphasizes chronological order ('after that'). そして is more neutral and often used in storytelling. The て-form is the most integrated way to connect verbs within a sentence.
I finished work, and then I went home.
He ate dinner, and then he watched TV.
彼は親切だ。しかも、ハンサムだ。
He's kind, and then (what's more) he's handsome.
He worked hard, and then as a result, he succeeded.
材料を混ぜます。それから、オーブンに入れます。
Mix the ingredients, and then put it in the oven.