〜てしまう
completely / regrettably
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜てしまう” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜てしまう」 means "completely / regrettably". Structure: Verb te-form + しまう. 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
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
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大事な修理を消してしまいました。
だいじな しゅうり を けして しまいました。
daijina shuuri o keshite shimaimashita.
I accidentally deleted the important repair.
At work
Example 2大事な資料を消してしまいました。
だいじな しりょう を けして しまいました。
daijina shiryou o keshite shimaimashita.
I accidentally deleted the important materials.
Everyday life
Example 3大事な機械を消してしまいました。
だいじな きかい を けして しまいました。
daijina kikai o keshite shimaimashita.
I accidentally deleted the important machine.
Everyday life
Example 4大事な材料を消してしまいました。
だいじな ざいりょう を けして しまいました。
daijina zairyou o keshite shimaimashita.
I accidentally deleted the important ingredients.
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 accidentally deleted the important repair.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜てしまう.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.