て

particle, conjunction

and

Plain conjunction linking two clauses or actions. Often translated as 'and' or simply by juxtaposition.

• 朝あさ起おきて、顔かおを洗あらった。

  I got up in the morning and washed my face.

particle, conjunction

and then; then

Indicates a sequential relation: one action follows another in time.

• ご飯はんを食たべて、すぐに出でかけた。

  I ate and then went out right away.

particle, conjunction

because; so; since

Expresses a causal relation: the first clause is the reason for the second.

• 雨あめが降ふって、試し合あいが中ちゅう止しになった。

  It rained, so the game was canceled.

particle, conjunction

by; through; with

Indicates the means or method by which an action is performed.

• 歩あるいて学がっ校こうに行いく。

  I go to school on foot (by walking).

particle, conjunction

although; but; yet

Contrastive relation: the second clause is unexpected given the first.

• 彼かれはたくさん食たべて、太ふとらない。

  He eats a lot, but he doesn't gain weight.

particle

connects to auxiliary verbs (e.g., ている, ていく)

Grammatical function: attaches to the 連用形 of verbs to form progressive, perfect, directional, and other auxiliary constructions.

• 今いま、本ほんを読よんでいる。

  I am reading a book now.

particle

forms compound verbs (e.g., やって来る)

Links two verbs into a compound, where the first verb in て-form modifies the second.

• 彼かれが走はしって来きた。

  He came running.

particle

please (do)

Colloquial sentence-final use indicating a request or light imperative. Often used in casual speech.

• ちょっと待まって。

  Wait a moment, please.