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to do completely; regrettably
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-て + しまう" is used to express the completion of an action, or to convey a sense of regret, mistake, or unfortunate outcome regarding an action that happened. It implies a sense of thoroughness or completion, and can also convey a sense of regret or disappointment. For example, "宿題を忘れてしまいました" implies that the homework was forgotten completely, and "おもしろい本だったので、一日で全部読んでしまいました" implies that the book was read completely in one day, which may be a regrettable or excessive action.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Te-form | V-て + しまう | 食べ-て + しまう |
| Te-form with -te | V-て + しまう | 食べ-て + しまう |
| Te-form with -te and -masu | V-て + しまう | 食べ-て + しまう |
Examples
宿題を忘れてしまいました。
Syutugi o wasurete shimaimashita.
I forgot to do my homework.
宿題 (syutugi) = homework, 忘れて (wasurete) = forgot, しまいました (shimaimashita) = did completely
おもしろい本だったので、一日で全部読んでしまいました。
Omoshiroi hon dattano, ichinichi de subete yonde shimaimashita.
I read the whole book in one day because it was interesting.
おもしろい (omoshiroi) = interesting, 本 (hon) = book, 一日 (ichinichi) = one day, 全部 (subete) = all, 読んで (yonde) = read, しまいました (shimaimashita) = did completely
大切な時計を失ってしまいました。
Taisetsu na tokei o ushite shimaimashita.
I lost my valuable watch.
大切な (taisetsu na) = valuable, 時計 (tokei) = watch, 失って (ushite) = lost, しまいました (shimaimashita) = did completely
Context
This pattern is used to express the completion of an action, and can also convey a sense of regret or disappointment. It is often used in situations where the speaker feels that they have gone too far or made a mistake. The pattern can be used in formal or informal situations, but it is more commonly used in informal situations.
Watch out
The pattern is not just used to express completion, but also to convey a sense of regret or disappointment. Using it to simply express completion without any nuance can make the sentence sound unnatural.
The casual contractions 'chau' and 'jau' are often confused with other grammar, but they are specifically used with the pattern to convey a sense of regret or disappointment.
The te-form connection is specific to the pattern, and using the wrong connection can make the sentence sound unnatural.
Strategy
When using the pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it to convey a sense of regret or disappointment. Also, pay attention to the te-form connection and use the correct contractions 'chau' and 'jau'.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-て + しまう used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
宿題を忘れてしまいました。
Pattern used: しまい
'Shimaimashita' expresses regret for the mistake of forgetting homework.
おもしろい本だったので、一日で全部読んでしまいました。
Pattern used: しまい
Here, 'shimaimashita' emphasizes the total completion of reading the book.
大切な時計を壊してしまいました。
Pattern used: 壊して
'Kowashite shimatta' indicates the speaker regrettably broke a precious watch.
Interactive
宿題を忘れて______ました。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.