A conjunction/particle used to connect clauses in an additive or coordinating sense ('and'). It links actions or states (e.g., '〜して〜'). After certain godan verbs ending in ぐ, む, ぶ, ぬ it becomes で.
朝ごはんを食べて、学校へ行きます。
I eat breakfast and go to school.
窓を開けて、部屋を換気した。
I opened the window and ventilated the room.
彼は本を読み、ノートを取っていた。
He was reading a book and taking notes.
A particle indicating sequence ('and then'). It shows that one action follows another in time.
宿題をして、寝た。
I did my homework and then went to sleep.
店に行って、買い物をした後で帰った。
I went to the store, did some shopping, and then went home.
説明を聞いて、それから質問をした。
I listened to the explanation and then asked questions.
A particle indicating cause or reason ('because', 'so', 'since'). The preceding clause explains the reason for the following clause.
雨が降って、試合は中止になった。
Because it rained, the match was canceled.
具合が悪くて、会社を休んだ。
I was unwell, so I took a day off work.
風邪をひいて、声が出ない。
I caught a cold, and I can't speak (my voice is gone).
Indicates means, instrument, or route ('through', 'by', 'via'). Often appears as で when attached to nouns or to verbs whose endings require で.
彼の助言で問題が解決した。
The problem was solved through his advice.
この道を通って駅へ行くと早いよ。
If you go to the station via this road, it's faster.
ネットで調べて情報を集めた。
I looked it up on the internet and gathered information.
Can express contrast or concession ('although', 'but', 'yet'). It links a clause to a following clause that contrasts with or qualifies it.
行きたかったけど、仕事があって行けなかった。
I wanted to go, but I couldn't because I had work.
安くていい商品だが、品質にばらつきがある。
It's cheap and a good product, but there's variability in quality.
彼は若くて経験は少ないが、努力家だ。
He is young and inexperienced, but he's a hard worker.
A connective used to attach auxiliary verbs, indicating continuous or progressive aspect and other grammatical functions (e.g., 〜ている, 〜ていく, 〜てくる).
今、映画を見ているところだ。
I'm watching a movie right now.
このまま成長していけば会社も伸びるだろう。
If it continues to grow like this, the company will probably expand.
帰ってきてから連絡します。
I'll contact you after I return.
Used to form compound verbs where the て-form of one verb combines with another verb to create a compound meaning (e.g., やって来る, 持って行く).
彼は荷物を持って来た。
He brought the luggage.
そのままやって来てください。
Please come as you are / just come over.
買って行くつもりですか？
Do you plan to buy it and take it with you?
A colloquial sentence-ending/request form used to ask someone to do something (e.g., '〜して' meaning 'please do ~'). It expresses a light imperative or request.
ちょっと待って。
Wait a moment, please.
もう一度見せてください。／見せて。
Please show me once more. / Show me.
手伝ってくれる？／手伝って。
Can you help me? / Help me (please).