Translation guide
The English word 'if' is used to express conditions, hypotheticals, and alternatives. Japanese uses several different conditional forms depending on the nuance, such as 〜たら, 〜ば, 〜と, and 〜なら. Choosing the right one is crucial for natural expression.
If it rains, I won't go.
Use 〜たら for a simple 'if A then B'.
If you study, you'll pass.
Use 〜ば for general conditions.
If you're going, I'll go too.
Use 〜なら to respond to new information.
Express a straightforward cause-and-effect or temporal condition where B happens after A is fulfilled.
The most versatile conditional. Formed by adding ら to the past tense plain form. Used for one-time, specific conditions, often with a nuance of 'when' or 'after'. Natural in speech.
If it rains, I won't go out.
Please call me when you get home.
Used for general, logical, or hypothetical conditions. Formed by changing the last kana to the え-row and adding ば. Often implies a predictable result. Slightly formal.
If spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.
Used for natural, inevitable consequences or habitual conditions. Often translates to 'whenever' or 'if...then naturally'. Cannot be used with volition, requests, or commands in the main clause.
If you press this button, the light turns on.
Express an unreal or imagined situation, often contrary to fact.
Can be used for hypotheticals, especially in casual speech. The context makes it clear it's hypothetical.
Express a condition that may or may not happen, often with a sense of preparation or uncertainty.
The default for 'in case' situations.
Express an indirect question or uncertainty between alternatives.
Standard way to say 'whether or not'. Attach to a plain form clause.
Express that the result is the same regardless of the condition.
Formed from て-form + も. Means 'even if'.
Express a wish about a past or present situation that is contrary to fact.
Used for regret about not doing something. 'If only I had...'.
Express a metaphorical comparison or pretense.
Means 'as if'. Often used with まるで for emphasis.
Politely ask for permission or make a suggestion.
Polite way to say 'if it's okay with you'. Literally 'if it's good'.
If you don't mind, please go ahead.
These four conditionals are not interchangeable. 〜たら is the most general and safe for beginners. 〜ば is for logical/hypothetical conditions. 〜と is for natural consequences and cannot be followed by a command. 〜なら is for contextual assumptions or giving advice based on what someone said.
If I were you, I wouldn't do that.
If it's cheap, I'll buy it.
When spring comes, it gets warmer.
If I had money, I'd travel the world.
Common for hypotheticals, often with もし. Slightly more formal than 〜たら.
If I were a bird, I could fly.
Used when the speaker assumes the condition is true or is responding to a context. Often translates to 'if it is the case that...'.
If he's coming, I'll leave.
If it rains, please use this umbrella.
Formal, often used in written instructions or official contexts. Means 'in the event that'.
In case of fire, do not use the elevator.
Do you know if he's coming?
Simply 'if' in embedded questions. Less explicit than かどうか, but common.
I don't know if he's coming.
Even if it rains, I'll go.
Casual spoken version of 〜ても.
Even if it rains, I'm going.
If only I had studied more.
Similar to 〜ばよかった, slightly more colloquial.
If only I had woken up earlier.
He talked as if he knew nothing.
Casual version of よろしければ.
If you'd like, why don't you come with us?
When I go to Tokyo, I'll buy souvenirs. (specific plan)
If you go to Tokyo, you can buy souvenirs. (general fact)
Whenever you go to Tokyo, you can buy souvenirs. (habitual)
If you're going to Tokyo, buy me a souvenir. (responding to info)
The 〜と conditional cannot be used when the main clause expresses a command, request, suggestion, or volition. Use 〜たら or 〜ば instead.
If it's cheap, please buy it. (unnatural)
If it's cheap, please buy it. (correct)
If you have time, please come over.
I don't know if he will come.