~くて (cause/reason)

The te-form of an i-adjective (~くて) used in a causal sense — 'because/since (it's) X.' 寒くて震える ('tremble because cold'), 嬉しくて泣く ('cry because happy'), 怖くて動けない ('can't move because scared'). Parallel to で with na-adjectives and nouns. Works only when the second clause is a non-volitional consequence (an emotion, ability, or natural reaction).