Minna no Nihongo Lesson 14 – Grammar (Beginner-Friendly Explanation)
Lesson 14 teaches how to give instructions, offer help, ask someone to do something, and talk about how to perform an action. These grammar points are used daily in real conversations.
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✅ 1. ~てください (Please do…)
Use: To make a polite request.
Meaning: “Please do…”
Form:
Verb (て-form) + ください
Examples:
ここに なまえを かいてください。
Please write your name here.
まってください。
Please wait.
Used for:
✔ directions
✔ instructions
✔ asking someone politely
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✅ 2. ~ています (Continuing / Ongoing action)
Use: To show something is being done right now or in progress.
Meaning: “I am doing…” / “is doing…”
Form:
Verb (て-form) + います
Examples:
いま てがみを かいています。
I am writing a letter now.
かれは いま テレビを みています。
He is watching TV now.
Used for:
✔ actions happening right now
✔ continuous states
✔ repeating actions
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✅ 3. ~ましょうか (Shall I help you?)
Use: To offer help politely.
Meaning: “Shall I…?” / “Do you want me to…?”
Form:
Verb (ます-stem) + ましょうか
Examples:
てつだいましょうか。
Shall I help you?
もちましょうか。
Shall I carry it for you?
Used when showing kindness or support.
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✅ 4. ~てから (After doing…)
Use: To show the order of actions.
Meaning: “After doing…, then …”
Form:
Verb (て-form) + から
Examples:
ごはんを たべてから、 しごとを します。
After eating, I will work.
かいものしてから、かえります。
I will go home after shopping.
Used for:
✔ daily routines
✔ step-by-step actions
✔ schedules
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⭐ Simple Summary of Lesson 14 Grammar
~てください → polite request
~ています → ongoing action / continuous state
~ましょうか → offering help
~てから → “after doing…” to show sequence
These forms help you speak naturally in stores, schools, work, and daily life.