N283/221

ては

Verb て form + はい-adjective くて + はな-adjective / Noun + で + は

Meanings

  • If
  • When
  • Since
  • Because (with nuance of condition or consequence)

About this pattern

Explanation

ては marks a conditional or hypothetical situation: when the preceding action or state is realized, the following result or situation follows, often with an emphasis on an undesirable or noteworthy consequence. It carries a nuance of limitation or warning, sometimes implying that the condition leads to trouble, a problem, or a negative outcome. It’s common in complaints, admonitions, or expressions of constraint, and is frequently followed by verbs like 困る, いけない, ならない, 〜も困る, etc. Typical contexts include: talking about what would be problematic if something were to happen; giving a warning about actions that would cause trouble; contrasting a desirable alternative to what is stated with ては. Examples (not exhaustive): 走っては間に合わない。雨が降っては出かけられない。子供は甘いものを食べては眠れない。静かであっては生活が成り立たない。