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if (conditional)
Definition
The grammar pattern ～ば (ba) is used to express a conditional relationship where the second clause is a result of the first. It is often translated to 'if' in English. This pattern is commonly used to describe the result or consequence of a certain action or situation. For example, if it rains, the streets will be wet. In this case, the pattern ～ば (ba) is used to connect the two clauses and express the conditional relationship.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | Verb stem + ba | taberu (to eat) -> tabe ba |
| I-Adjective | Adjective stem + kereba | ii (good) -> ikere ba |
Examples
毎日勉強するば、試験に合格することができる。
Mainichi benkyou suru ba, shiken ni gokaku suru koto ga dekiru.
If I study every day, I can pass the exam.
毎日勉強する (study every day) + ば (if) + 試験に合格することができる (can pass the exam)
辞書を読むば、言葉の意味がわかる。
Jisho o yomu ba, kotoba no imi ga wakaru.
If I read the dictionary, I can understand the meaning of words.
辞書を読む (read the dictionary) + ば (if) + 言葉の意味がわかる (can understand the meaning of words)
パソコンが安くなるば、買いたい。
Pasokon ga yasuku naru ba, kaitai.
If the computer becomes cheaper, I want to buy it.
パソコンが安くなる (becomes cheaper) + ば (if) + 買いたい (want to buy)
Context
The grammar pattern ～ば (ba) is used to express a conditional relationship where the second clause is a result of the first. It is often used in everyday conversations to describe the result or consequence of a certain action or situation. This pattern is commonly used in casual conversations and is not typically used in formal writing.
Watch out
～ば (ba) is used to express a general or hypothetical situation, while ～たら (tara) is used to describe a one-time past event.
The dictionary form is not used before 'ba', but rather the verb stem or adjective stem.
～たら (tara) is used to express a request or invitation, while ～ば (ba) is used to describe a general or hypothetical situation.
Strategy
When using ～ば (ba) in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb stem or adjective stem before 'ba', and not the dictionary form. Also, be careful not to confuse it with ～たら (tara) for one-time past events.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～ば (ba) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
毎日 運動すれば 、体が丈夫になりますよ。
Pattern used: 運動すれば
To form the conditional 'ba' for Group 3 verbs, 'suru' becomes 'sureba'.
辞書を 使えば 、言葉の意味がわかります。
Pattern used: 使えば
For Group 1 verbs like 'tsukau', the 'u' sound changes to 'e' (tsukae) before adding 'ba'.
パソコンが 安ければ 、安く買いたいです。
Pattern used: 安ければ
For i-adjectives, drop the final 'i' and add 'kereba' to form the conditional.
Interactive
毎日 ______ 、体が丈夫になりますよ。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.