Japanese has four conditional patterns tested on JLPT N4: と, たら, ば, and なら. Each implies a different type of condition. This guide clarifies all four with exam-ready practice.
At a Glance
| Pattern | Meaning | Key Use |
|---|---|---|
| と | When / if (natural result) | Automatic consequences; directions |
| たら | When / if (after completion) | Sequences; practical if-then |
| ば | If (hypothetical) | General conditions; logical connection |
| なら | If (given that) | Responding to information provided |
〜と — Automatic/Natural Consequence
〜と expresses that when A happens, B always/naturally follows. Often used for physical laws, directions, and regular sequences.
春になると、桜が咲く。 — When spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.
この角を曲がると、駅が見えます。 — When you turn this corner, you’ll see the station.
Cannot use と for requests, intentions, or commands in the result clause.
JLPT と vs たら Trap
The most common N4 trap: と cannot be followed by requests/commands/intentions:
Wrong: 電車に乗ると、電話してください。 ← Cannot use と for commands
Correct: 電車に乗ったら、電話してください。 — When you board the train, call me.
YukaWhy can’t と be used with requests?
ReiBecause と expresses an automatic, inevitable consequence — like a law of nature. Requests and commands aren’t automatic consequences of an action; they’re deliberate choices. Japanese grammar restricts と to those natural result situations. This is why JLPT tests this exact trap!
YukaWhen should I default to たら on the exam?
ReiDefault to たら for any if-then situation that involves: sequences (do A then B), requests after a condition, possibilities, or counterfactuals. たら is the most versatile — if you’re unsure, たら is often safe. と is more restricted (natural results; no commands). ば is for logical/general conditions. なら is for responding to given info.
Practice Questions
1. When this button is pressed, the door opens. → このボタンを___、ドアが開く。→ 押すと
2. If you’re going to Japan, visit Kyoto. → 日本に行く___、京都に行ってみて。→ なら
3. When you arrive at the hotel, please contact me. → ホテルに着い___、連絡してください。→ たら
4. If you study every day, you’ll improve. → 毎日勉強すれ___、上達する。→ ば
Quick Quiz
1. Which conditional CANNOT be followed by a command? → と
2. Which conditional responds to “given that you mentioned X”? → なら
3. Which conditional is most versatile for everyday if-then? → たら
Practice in the Comments!
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Keep Learning: JLPT Study Guide | なら vs たら vs ば | ても vs たら
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