18 Aug
TE-form & Verb Groups | Minna no Nihongo | Lesson 14
### Understanding the TE-Form and Verb Groups in Japanese | Minna no Nihongo | Lesson 14
In Lesson 14 of "Minna no Nihongo," youβll learn about the TE-form of verbs, which is essential for forming various grammatical structures in Japanese. The TE-form is used to connect verbs, make requests, and describe ongoing actions, among other functions. Additionally, understanding verb groups and their conjugations is crucial for correctly forming the TE-form. Letβs break down the TE-form and the verb groups.
### 1. **The TE-Form**
The TE-form is a versatile verb form in Japanese that can be used in several ways, including:
- **Connecting Actions**: To link verbs together in a sequence.
- **Making Requests**: To ask someone to do something.
- **Describing Ongoing Actions**: When combined with γγΎγ (imasu) to indicate that an action is currently happening.
#### **How to Form the TE-Form:**
The TE-form is created differently for each verb group. Hereβs how to form it for each group:
#### **1. Group 1 Verbs (γ-Verbs)**
These verbs end in **γ**, **γ€**, or **γ** in their dictionary form. The TE-form is formed by changing the ending to **γ£γ¦**.
- **γ** (u) β **γ£γ¦** (tte)
Β - **ζΈγ** (kaku) β to write β **ζΈγγ¦** (kaite) β write
- **γ€** (tsu) β **γ£γ¦** (tte)
Β - **εΎ
γ€** (matsu) β to wait β **εΎ
γ£γ¦** (matte) β wait
- **γ** (ru) β **γ£γ¦** (tte)
Β - **εγ** (toru) β to take β **εγ£γ¦** (totte) β take
#### **2. Group 2 Verbs (γ-Verbs)**
These verbs end in **γ** and are preceded by **γ** (e) in their dictionary form. The TE-form is formed by changing the ending to **γ¦** (te).
- **ι£γΉγ** (taberu) β to eat β **ι£γΉγ¦** (tabete) β eat
- **θ¦γ** (miru) β to see β **θ¦γ¦** (mite) β see
#### **3. Irregular Verbs**
There are two common irregular verbs that donβt follow the usual patterns:
- **γγ** (suru) β to do β **γγ¦** (shite) β do
- **ζ₯γ** (kuru) β to come β **ζ₯γ¦** (kite) β come
### 2. **Using the TE-Form**
#### **1. Connecting Actions:**
You can use the TE-form to link multiple actions in a sentence.
- **Example**: **ζγγ―γγι£γΉγ¦γε¦ζ ‘γ«θ‘γγΎγγ** (Asa gohan o tabete, gakkΕ ni ikimasu.)
Β - I eat breakfast and then go to school.
#### **2. Making Requests:**
Use the TE-form with γγ γγ (kudasai) to make polite requests.
- **Example**: **γγγθ¦γ¦γγ γγγ** (Kore o mite kudasai.)
Β - Please look at this.
#### **3. Describing Ongoing Actions:**
Combine the TE-form with **γγΎγ** (imasu) to describe actions that are currently in progress.
- **Example**: **ε½Όγ―ζ¬γθͺγγ§γγΎγγ** (Kare wa hon o yondeimasu.)
Β - He is reading a book.
### Summary of TE-Form by Verb Group
- **Group 1 Verbs (γ-Verbs)**: Change the final **γ**, **γ€**, or **γ** to **γ£γ¦** (e.g., **ζΈγ** β **ζΈγγ¦**).
- **Group 2 Verbs (γ-Verbs)**: Change the final **γ** to **γ¦** (e.g., **ι£γΉγ** β **ι£γΉγ¦**).
- **Irregular Verbs**: **γγ** β **γγ¦**, **ζ₯γ** β **ζ₯γ¦**.
By mastering the TE-form and understanding how it applies to different verb groups, youβll be able to form more complex sentences and express a range of actions and requests in Japanese. Practice using the TE-form in various contexts to become more proficient. Happy studying!
