Structure
Verb[て](A) + は + Verb[て](B) + は
Verb[て](A) + は + Verb[て](A) + は
Details
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Standard
About ては〜ては
Another structure making use of the combined て and は particles is ては~ては. This grammar pattern highlights that the actions of (A) and (B) are continuously being repeated and can be interpreted as 'doing (A) and (B) repeatedly'. The (A) and (B) actions will often be things that contrast each other in some respect, such as starting and stopping, walking and running, going forwards and then backwards, etc.
ては~ては will be used with verbs in the て-form, so will occasionally appear as では.
The abbreviated versions of ちゃ and じゃ may also be seen with the grammar point, but it may be considered unnatural if the same abbreviation is not used both times. This is mainly due to the level of formality being required to stay the same within sentences.
Caution
ては may sometimes appear only once, without any change to the meaning of repetition. This is usually when there is some indication in the rest of the sentence that the action is something that is being repeated over and over.
- 5キロを休憩なしで走れるようになるには、疲れるまで1キロ走っては休憩しての繰り返しを1ヶ月間毎日続けることが必要です。To be able to run 5 kilometers without taking a break, you need to run for a kilometer, then take a break, and repeat that process everyday for a month.
Examples
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歩いては走り、走っては歩き、(を 繰り返すことは)、ジョギングしてみたいけれど体力に不安な人にとって、いいトレーニング方法です。
Walking and running, running and walking (repeatedly) is a great method of training for people who want to try jogging, but are worried about endurance.
最近、インターネット接続が悪い。接続しては切断して、接続しては、切断して。(を繰り返すことは)イライラさせられる。
Recently my internet connection is terrible. It connects and disconnects, connects and disconnects (repeatedly)… It is driving me nuts.
田舎者:「働いては寝て、働いては寝てばかりだ。このような人生はダメだ。」
Countryman: 'I only work and sleep, work and sleep (repeatedly)… This is not the good life.'
ある研究によると、一番の勉強方法は20-40分勉強しては休憩してを繰り返すことです。
According to some research, the best way to learn is to study for about 20-40 minutes, rest and repeat.
あくびをしてはフリスクを食べ、あくびをしてはフリスクを食べ、何とか起きていられた。
By yawning and eating a mint, yawning and eating a mint, I was somehow able to wake up.
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Online
How to use ては
Maggie Sensei
Additional information and example sentences
JLPT Sensei
Offline
完全マスター N1
Page 104
Tobira (Gateway to Advanced Japanese)
Page 307-3
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