〜かける
start but not finish
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜かける.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜かける」 means "start but not finish". Structure: Verb stem + かける. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1修理を書きかけたまま、出かけました。
しゅうり を かきかけた まま、でかけました。
shuuri o kakikaketa mama, dekakemashita.
I went out leaving the repair half-written.
At work
Example 2資料を書きかけたまま、出かけました。
しりょう を かきかけた まま、でかけました。
shiryou o kakikaketa mama, dekakemashita.
I went out leaving the materials half-written.
Everyday life
Example 3機械を書きかけたまま、出かけました。
きかい を かきかけた まま、でかけました。
kikai o kakikaketa mama, dekakemashita.
I went out leaving the machine half-written.
Everyday life
Example 4材料を書きかけたまま、出かけました。
ざいりょう を かきかけた まま、でかけました。
zairyou o kakikaketa mama, dekakemashita.
I went out leaving the ingredients half-written.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I went out leaving the repair half-written.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜かける.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.