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in the event of; in case of
Definition
The grammar pattern ～場合は (baai wa) is used to describe a hypothetical or specific situation and the action to be taken if it occurs. It is often used to express a condition or a precaution. The pattern can be translated to English as 'in the event of', 'in case of', or 'if'. It is commonly used in formal or polite language, and is often found in written Japanese, such as in contracts, instructions, or formal letters.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | no + noun + no + baai wa | 火事の場合 (hi-jitsu no baai wa) |
| Na-adjective | na + adjective + no + baai wa | 約束の場合 (yakusoku no baai wa) |
| Verb | verb + no + baai wa | 天気が悪い場合 (ten-ki ga warui baai wa) |
Examples
火事の場合、エレベーターを使わないでください。
hi-jitsu no baai wa, ere-bee-ta wa tsukawanai de kudasai.
In the event of a fire, please do not use the elevator.
火事の場合 (in the event of a fire) + エレベーターを使わないでください (please do not use the elevator)
約束に失敗した場合、すぐに電話してください。
yakusoku ni shippai shita baai wa, sugu ni denwa shite kudasai.
In the event of a failed promise, please call me right away.
約束に失敗した場合 (in the event of a failed promise) + すぐに電話してください (please call me right away)
天気が悪い場合、試合を中止します。
ten-ki ga warui baai wa, shiai o chūshite shimau.
In the event of bad weather, we will cancel the game.
天気が悪い場合 (in the event of bad weather) + 試合を中止します (we will cancel the game)
旅行の場合、パスポートを忘れないでください。
ryokō no baai wa, pasupōto o wasurenai de kudasai.
In the event of a trip, please do not forget your passport.
旅行の場合 (in the event of a trip) + パスポートを忘れないでください (please do not forget your passport)
病気の場合、医者に連絡してください。
byōki no baai wa, isha ni renraku shite kudasai.
In the event of illness, please contact a doctor.
病気の場合 (in the event of illness) + 医者に連絡してください (please contact a doctor)
Context
The grammar pattern ～場合は (baai wa) is used to describe a hypothetical or specific situation and the action to be taken if it occurs. It is often used in formal or polite language, and is often found in written Japanese, such as in contracts, instructions, or formal letters. It can be translated to English as 'in the event of', 'in case of', or 'if'.
Watch out
The 'no' particle is necessary after a noun to indicate the situation.
While both patterns can be used to describe a situation, '～の場合 (no baai)' is more general and can be used in a wider range of situations.
The 'masu' form is not necessary before 'baai wa', and using it can make the sentence sound more formal or polite than intended.
Strategy
When using the grammar pattern ～場合は (baai wa) on the JLPT exam, be sure to pay attention to the situation being described and the action being taken. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other patterns, such as ～の場合 (no baai) or ～ますの場合 (masu no baai).
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows ～場合は (baai wa) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
火事の 場合は 、エレベーターを使わないでください。
Pattern used: 場合は
'Baai wa' is used here to describe the protocol in the specific event of a fire.
約束に 遅れる 場合は、すぐに電話してください。
Pattern used: 遅れる
Verbs must be in the plain (dictionary) form before 'baai wa'.
天気が 悪い 場合は、試合を中止します。
Pattern used: 悪い
I-adjectives modify 'baai wa' directly in their dictionary form.
Interactive
火事の ______ 、エレベーターを使わないでください。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.