ては / では
🃏 Flashcard
ては / では
tewa / dewa
Tap to reveal usage
whenever; if; when~; repetitive action
N2
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N2
Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage
Reading
tewa / dewa
Post ID
51155
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
whenever; if; when~; repetitive action
📖 How to use it
Expresses that whenever a certain action or state occurs, a particular consequence or habit follows, often with a sense of repetition or inevitability.
Attaches to
Attach to the て-form of verbs: て is followed by は, but note that if the て-form ends in で (from ぐ, ぬ, ぶ, む), then では is used instead. For な-adjectives, use で (the て-form of the copula) followed by は, resulting in では. For nouns, use では directly after the noun.
This pattern is used to say 'whenever [A] happens, [B] happens' or 'if [A], then [B]' as a general statement. It often implies that the action in A is repeated or habitual, and B is an inevitable result or a typical reaction. In speech, it can sound like a mild warning or a statement of a bad habit, especially when B is negative.
彼はお酒を飲んでは、必ず愚痴を言う。
Kare wa osake o nonde wa, kanarazu guchi o iu.
Whenever he drinks, he always complains.
ここで写真を撮ってはダメですよ。
Koko de shashin o totte wa dame desu yo.
You must not take pictures here. (literally: 'Taking pictures here is not allowed.')
彼女は疲れていると、早く寝ることにしている。
Kanojo wa tsukarete iru to, hayaku neru koto ni shite iru.
When she is tired, she makes it a point to go to bed early.
Not と (conditional)
と is used for natural consequences or facts (e.g., 春になると花が咲く). ては emphasizes repetition or a habitual pattern, often with a judgment or warning. Also, ては cannot be used in the main clause to express a direct request or will; it states a condition and result.
Register
Neutral in written and spoken Japanese, but the pattern is often used in warnings or to state rules (e.g., してはダメ), so it can sound a bit formal or admonishing in casual speech.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
ては / では
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat ては / では three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using ては / では. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N2 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern ては / では mean?
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Whenever; if; when~; repetitive action
What JLPT level is ては / では?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N2 — Upper-Intermediate · Academic & formal usage. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use ては / では in a sentence?
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Attach ては / では (tewa / dewa) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is ては / では formal or casual Japanese?
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ては / では is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember ては / では long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.