JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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· Elementary
in the event of; in case of
Category: Conditionals
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.
| 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) |
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)
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'.
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.
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).
火事の ______ 、エレベーターを使わないでください。
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