Point 1N2_L3_G1
1. ～てはじめて (Only after... / Not until...)
Sentence Pattern
Vて + はじめて
Only after event/action (1) occurs does the speaker realize, understand, or achieve (2).
✓ Clause 1 can take many kinds of verbs: intransitive/transitive, volitional or non-volitional.
Example Sentences (6)
病気になってはじめて健康のありがたさがわかる。
Only after getting sick did I understand how precious good health is.
実際に現地の様子を見てはじめて、今回の地震のひどさを知った。
Only after seeing the situation on site did I realize how severe this earthquake was.
他人に言われてはじめて自分がわがままだとわかった。
Only after someone pointed it out did I realize that I was selfish.
相手の話の途中で話を始めるくせがあると、人に言われてはじめて気がついた。
Only after someone told me did I notice my habit of interrupting people while they are talking.
山田先生の指導を受けてはじめて、生物の観察が面白いと思うようになった。
Only after receiving Professor Yamada’s guidance did I come to find observing living things interesting.
チャンスがあってはじめて、才能が生きてくるのではないだろうか。
Isn’t it only when one gets an opportunity that talent can truly come alive?
Point 2N2_L3_G2
2. ～上で（は） / ～上の (After... / From the standpoint of...)
Sentence Pattern
A. After carefully doing...
Vた + 上でN の + 上で
B. From the standpoint / according to...
N + 上（で / では / の）This pattern has two distinct usages:
- A: First carry out (1), then decide or perform (2) based on the result. (1) serves as preparation for (2), and the subject/intention is usually the same.
- B: With a noun, indicates a standpoint, basis, or source of information, such as a calendar, data, theory, map, etc.
Example Sentences (6)
文書が保存されていることを確かめた上で、パソコンをシャットダウンしてください。
After confirming that the document has been saved, please shut down the computer.
経済的なことをよく考えた上で、進路を決める必要がある。
We need to decide our future course after carefully considering the financial aspects.
自分一人では決められませんので、家族と相談した上で、お返事をいたします。
I cannot decide on my own, so I will reply after discussing it with my family.
この列車には特急券が必要です。あらかじめ特急券をお買い求めの上、ご乗車ください。
A limited-express ticket is required for this train. Please purchase one in advance before boarding.
暦の上ではもう秋なのに、まだまだ暑い日が続いている。
According to the calendar, it is already autumn, yet the hot days continue.
データの上では今月の車の売り上げが急増している。
According to the data, car sales this month have risen sharply.
Point 3N2_L3_G3
3. ～次第（しだい） (As soon as...)
Sentence Pattern
Vます + 次第
N + 次第
N + 次第
Meaning: As soon as V1 is completed, V2 is carried out. (= したらすぐに)
✓ Used when completion mainly depends on time/progress.
✓ The following clause typically expresses the speaker’s intention, request, or planned action, so past tense or conjecture is not normally used there.
Example Sentences (5)
詳しいことがわかり次第、ご連絡いたします。
As soon as we know the details, we will contact you.
全員集まり次第、出発します。
As soon as everyone has gathered, we will depart.
留学期間が終わり次第、帰国して就職するつもりです。
As soon as my study-abroad period ends, I plan to return home and find a job.
定員になり次第、締め切らせていただきます。
As soon as the capacity is reached, we will close applications.
会場の準備ができ次第、ご案内いたします。もうしばらくお待ちください。
As soon as the venue is ready, we will guide you. Please wait a little longer.
Point 4N2_L3_G4
4. ～て以来 / ～てこのかた (Ever since...)
Sentence Pattern
Vて + 以来
Vて + このかた
Vて + このかた
Meaning: Ever since event (1), state/situation (2) has continued up to the present.
✓ このかた is more formal than 以来.
✓ Event (1) is a past event that serves as a time reference point.
✓ Not used for future situations.
Example Sentences (7)
先週外食をして以来、おなかの調子が悪いんです。
Ever since I ate out last week, my stomach has not been feeling well.
彼とは5年前のクラス会で会って以来、一度も連絡を取っていない。
I have not contacted him even once since we met at a class reunion five years ago.
1年前にけがをして以来、体の調子がどうも良くない。
Ever since I was injured a year ago, I have not felt quite well physically.
あの山の写真を見て以来、いつかは登ってみたいとずっと思い続けてきた。
Ever since I saw a photo of that mountain, I have kept thinking that I want to climb it someday.
子供が生まれて以来、外で酒を飲んでいない。
Since my child was born, I have not gone out drinking.
日本から帰国してこのかた、毎日日本のことを思い出している。
Ever since returning home from Japan, I think of Japan every day.
母がいなくなってこのかた、母のことを考えない日はない。
Ever since my mother passed away, there has not been a day when I did not think of her.
Point 5N2_L3_G5
5. ～てからでないと / ～てからでなければ (Unless/until after...)
Sentence Pattern
Vて + からでないと / からでなければ
Meaning: Unless V1 is done first, V2 cannot happen or be done.
✓ V2 becomes possible only after condition V1 has been satisfied.
✓ The following clause is negative or carries a negative implication such as “cannot,” “difficult,” or “impossible.”
Example Sentences (7)
十分に勉強をしてからでないと、この試験に合格することは難しい。
Unless you study thoroughly first, it will be difficult to pass this exam.
この果物は赤くなってからでないと、酸っぱくて食べられません。
This fruit is too sour to eat until it turns red.
もっと情報を集めてからでないと、その話が本当かどうか判断できない。
Unless I gather more information first, I cannot judge whether that story is true.
この仕事が終わってからでないと、帰れないんです。
I cannot go home until this work is finished.
この電車は車内の清掃が済んでからでないと、ご乗車になれません。
Passengers cannot board this train until the inside has been cleaned.
退院したばかりなんですから、十分に体力がついてからでなければ、運動は無理ですよ。
You have only just left the hospital, so exercise is too much until you regain sufficient strength.
何事であれ実践してからでなければ、ことの是非は分からない。
Whatever it is, unless you actually try it, you cannot know whether it is right or wrong.
