Translation guide
A guide to expressing sequence, addition, and consequence in Japanese, covering common conjunctions, particles, and sentence patterns.
To connect two actions or events in chronological order, like 'A happened, and then B happened'.
The て-form of a verb is the most common way to link sequential actions. It simply lists events in order.
朝ごはんを食べて、学校に行った。
I ate breakfast and then went to school.
I went home and then immediately went to bed.
A conjunction meaning 'after that' or 'and then'. Used between sentences or clauses to clearly mark the next event.
映画を見た。それから、レストランに行った。
We watched a movie, and then we went to a restaurant.
Similar to 'and then', but can also simply mean 'and'. Often used in storytelling.
彼は立ち上がった。そして、話し始めた。
He stood up, and then he began to speak.
Literally 'after doing V'. Emphasizes the completion of the first action before the second.
仕事が終わったあとで、飲みに行こう。
Let's go for a drink after work (and then).
To add another piece of information, similar to 'and also' or 'furthermore'.
Adds an additional point, often with a nuance of 'on top of that' or 'moreover'.
この店は安い。それに、美味しい。
This restaurant is cheap, and then (also) it's delicious.
Stronger than それに, often expresses surprise or emphasis. 'And what's more'.
To indicate that the second event is a result of the first, like 'and so' or 'and then as a result'.
The て-form can also imply a cause-and-effect relationship, especially when the result is natural or expected.
雨が降って、試合が中止になった。
It rained, and then the game was canceled.
Formal expression meaning 'as a result'. Used in writing or formal speech.
彼は努力した。その結果、成功した。
He worked hard, and then as a result, he succeeded.
To list steps in a process or events in a story, often with a sense of 'next'.
Means 'next' or 'and then'. Commonly used in instructions or when describing a sequence of actions.
まず、ボタンを押してください。次に、パスワードを入力してください。
First, press the button. And then, enter your password.
Also used in instructions, similar to 次に but slightly more casual.
Do not directly translate 'and then' as とそして or とそれから. The word 'and' is usually not translated separately; instead, use the て-form or conjunctions like それから.
それから emphasizes chronological order ('after that'). そして is more neutral and often used in storytelling. The て-form is the most integrated way to connect verbs within a sentence.
仕事が終わって、家に帰った。
I finished work, and then I went home.
彼は夕食を食べて、テレビを見た。
He ate dinner, and then he watched TV.
He's kind, and then (what's more) he's handsome.
材料を混ぜます。それから、オーブンに入れます。
Mix the ingredients, and then put it in the oven.