Learn JLPT N5 Minna no Nihongo Lesson 16

In Lesson 16, you learn how to connect sentences and phrases using the “te‑form” (〜て) of verbs, adjectives, nouns. You’ll also learn how to describe sequence of actions, combine descriptions, and use structures like “〜てから”, “〜て、〜て”, “〜くて / 〜で”, etc.

Grammar

1. Connecting multiple actions with 〜て、〜て

When you have two or more actions in a row, you can use verb te‑form to connect them. The tense and time meaning depend on the final verb in the sequence.

Examples:

「あさジョギングをして、シャワーをあびて、かいしゃへいきます。」 — In the morning I jog, take a shower, and go to work.

「こうべへいって、えいがをみて、おちゃをのみました。」 — I went to Kobe, watched a movie, and drank tea.

2. Expressing “after doing ~, then ~” with 〜てから、〜

When you want to show that after finishing one action, another action happens, use 〜てから、〜.

Examples:

「くにへかえってから、ちちのかいしゃではたらきます。」 — After returning to my country, I work at my father’s company.

「コンサートがおわってから、レストランでしょくじしました。」 — After the concert ended, I ate at a restaurant.

3. Connecting adjectives or nouns / な‑adjectives / nouns using て‑form / で / くて

い‑adjectives → drop い, add 〜くて to connect.

e.g. おおきい → おおきくて

ちいさい → ちいさくて

な‑adjectives or nouns → add 〜で to connect.

Examples:

「ならはきれいで、しずかなまちです。」 — Nara is beautiful and quiet.

「このへやはあかるくて、ひろいです。」 — This room is bright and spacious. (sample pattern)

4. Combined “topic + subject + adjective/noun” structure: N₁ は N₂ が 〜です

Used when describing an attribute or characteristic of something/person.

Example:

「おおさかはたべものがおいしいです。」 — As for Osaka, the food is delicious.

5. Question words どうやって (How / by what means) and どれ／どの (which)

どうやって — to ask “how (to do something)” or “by what means”. Answer often uses te‑form verbs.

Example: 「だいがくまでどうやっていきますか。」 — How will you go to the university?

どれ／どの — used to ask “which one” among three or more objects/persons.

Example: 「サントスさんはどのひとですか。」 — Which person is Mr. Santos?

Common Verbs & Vocabulary (Sample from Lesson 16)

Japanese English meaning

のります get on / ride (train, bus, etc.)

おります get off (train, bus)

のりかえます change (trains, buses)

あびます take (a shower) / bathe

いれます put in / insert

だします take out / withdraw / send out

はいります enter (university, building, etc.)

でます leave / exit / graduate (from university)

やめます quit / stop / give up (a job)

〜 ... (plus other adjectives, nouns, etc.)

Note: This is a sample — there are more vocabulary items in the full Lesson 16 list.

Examples Summary (Quick Reference)

Pattern / Structure Japanese English

1.Sequence of actions ジョギングをして、シャワーをあびて、かいしゃへいきます。 I jog, take a shower, and go to the company.

2.After ~ then ~ コンサートがおわってから、レストランでしょくじしました。 After the concert ended, I had a meal at the restaurant.

3.Adjective (い) connection このりんごはあまくて、おいしいです。 This apple is sweet and delicious.

4.な‑adjective / noun connection ならはきれいで、しずかなまちです。 Nara is a beautiful and quiet city.

5.Attribute sentence おおさかはたべものがおいしいです。 As for Osaka, the food is delicious.

6.Asking how / means だいがくまでどうやっていきますか。 How will you go to university?

7.Asking “which one” どのほんがいいですか。 Which book is good?