The て-form is a special verb form used to connect actions, make requests, and build many grammar patterns. It is one of the most important forms in beginner Japanese. Key points: • The て-form connects actions: 行って、食べます • It is used in requests: 〜てください • It appears in many patterns like 〜ている, 〜てもいい • The verb ending changes based on the verb group For う-verbs, the ending changes (e.g., 書く → 書いて, 読む → 読んで, 話す → 話して). For る-verbs, drop る and add て (食べる → 食べて). The irregular verbs are する → して and 来る → 来て. At N5, you do not need to memorize every rule at once. Start with common verbs and practice their て-forms. This form will show up repeatedly, so recognizing it is more important than producing it perfectly at first. A simple use is connecting two actions: “朝ご飯を食べて学校に行きます” means “I eat breakfast and go to school.” The て-form makes the first action feel like a step before the next. Once you know the て-form, you can use many other patterns, so it is worth practicing carefully.