Introduction

The grammar pattern te shimau is a very common JLPT N4 grammar point. It is used to express that an action is completely finished or that something happened unintentionally and the speaker feels regret or disappointment. This grammar appears often in JLPT N4 listening and reading sections, especially in daily conversation.

This article explains te shimau clearly in simple English for Japanese learners. All Japanese examples are written only in hiragana and katakana, with no kanji. All section titles are written in bold black format to make learning easy for students.

Grammar Structure Explained

verb te form + shimau

In casual speech, te shimau is often shortened to chau or chatta.

Meaning in English

Te shimau means "finish doing something completely" or "do something unintentionally and feel regret". The meaning depends on context.

When to Use This Grammar

You use te shimau in the following situations. When an action is fully completed. When something happens by mistake. When expressing regret or disappointment. When something cannot be undone.

Examples

shukudai o yatte shimaimashita。 i finished my homework completely.
keeki o tabete shimaimashita。 i ate the cake unintentionally.
saifu o nakushite shimaimashita。 i lost my wallet.
denwa o keshite shimaimashita。 i turned off the phone by mistake.
hayaku nete shimaimashita。 i ended up sleeping early.

Important Grammar Notes

Te shimau can express completion or regret depending on context. In spoken Japanese, the short forms chau and chatta are very common. This grammar often shows the speaker’s feelings.

Common Mistakes by Learners

Using te shimau without emotional context. Confusing completion meaning with regret meaning. Forgetting to use te form before shimau.

JLPT N4 Exam Point

In JLPT N4, te shimau often appears in listening questions where speakers talk about mistakes or completed actions. It also appears in reading passages that describe daily events and feelings.

Short Practice

Make sentences using te shimau. Example: wasureru → wasurete shimau

Practice verbs. aku kowasu wasure ru taberu

Summary

Te shimau is an essential JLPT N4 grammar pattern used to express completion and regret. It shows that an action is finished or that something happened unintentionally. This grammar appears frequently in JLPT N4 exams. Mastering te shimau will help you express emotions and results more naturally in Japanese.

JLPT N4 Grammar te shimau Explained | Completion and Regret in Japanese