たらIf; when a possible condition is met
たら sets up a particular possible situation and says what will, would, or should happen if that condition is met. It is especially useful for uncertain future situations and can naturally lead to intentions, invitations, requests, or advice.
How the condition works
The first clause presents a possible situation. The second clause becomes relevant if that situation is established. Adding もし is optional, but it can make the intended “if” reading especially clear.
An uncertain future situation
もし明日雨が降ったら、試合は中止になるでしょう。
If it rains tomorrow, the game will probably be canceled.
AnalyzeRequests and invitations
A major practical strength of たら is that the result can be something the speaker asks, suggests, or intends to do.
Conditions with adjectives and nouns
Choosing among similar conditionals
たら is a natural choice when imagining a particular future situation and then saying what you will do, what someone should do, or what you want to happen. ば often focuses more strongly on a general, enabling, or minimum condition. なら takes up a premise already under consideration, so the recommended action can occur before the event named in that premise. Also, the same visible たら form has a separate use meaning that one completed event provides the time boundary for another event or discovery; that is not the open hypothetical use taught here.
More examples
もし電車が遅れたら、会議に間に合わないかもしれません。
If the train is delayed, I may not make it to the meeting.
Analyze値段が高かったら、今回は買いません。
If the price is high, I will not buy it this time.
Analyze都合がよかったら、明日の午後に来てください。
If tomorrow afternoon works for you, please come then.
Analyzeこの方法が簡単だったら、みんなにも教えましょう。
If this method is easy, let us teach it to everyone else too.
Analyze明日が休みだったら、今夜は少し遅くまで起きていられます。
If tomorrow is a day off, I can stay up a little later tonight.
Analyze道が分からなかったら、駅員に聞いてください。
If you do not know the way, please ask a station employee.
Analyze