〜ては

“If (someone) does …, then (undesirable result)” / “Doing … leads to a bad outcome” → Used to express that a certain action or situation repeatedly causes a negative, problematic, or unacceptable result.

N1

Meaning

“If (someone) does …, then (undesirable result)” / “Doing … leads to a bad outcome” → Used to express that a certain action or situation repeatedly causes a negative, problematic, or unacceptable result.

Formation

Verb (て-form) + は

Explanation

〜ては is used when the speaker wants to say that:

  • whenever an action happens

  • it leads to a bad consequence

  • therefore, the action is not acceptable or should not be repeated

This grammar often implies:

  • criticism

  • warning

  • complaint

  • impracticality

It is frequently used in:

  • rules and policies

  • instructions

  • explanations of problems

  • JLPT N1 reading passages

💡 Core nuance:
“If this keeps happening, things won’t work.”