ては

expression

if (an action, etc.)

Expresses a conditional or hypothetical situation, often with a negative or undesirable result. Used after the て-form of verbs and adjectives.

• そんなことをしてはだめだ。

  You must not do such a thing.

• 雨あめが降ふっては試し合あいは中ちゅう止しだ。

  If it rains, the game will be cancelled.

expression

since ...; if you are going to ...

Indicates that once an action is taken or a state is reached, a certain consequence follows; often used for giving reasons or warnings.

• こうなってはもう手て遅おくれだ。

  Since it has come to this, it's too late.

• やるって言いったからには、最さい後ごまでやらなくては。

  Since you said you'd do it, you have to see it through.

expression

one after another; repeated action

Used with verbs to indicate repetition or alternation of actions, often in the pattern 〜ては〜、〜ては〜.

• 彼かれは書かいては消けし、書かいては消けしして、なかなか手て紙がみが書かけない。

  He writes and erases, writes and erases, and just can't seem to finish the letter.

expression

adds emphasis

Attaches to the て-form to add emotional emphasis, often in negative commands or strong assertions. Common in casual speech with ちゃ.

• 泣ないちゃだめだよ。

  Don't cry.

• 勝かっ手てに入はいっちゃだめ！

  Do not go in without permission!