JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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· Elementary
whenever; if (natural consequence)
Category: Conditionals
The grammar pattern ～と (to) expresses a natural or inevitable consequence, often used to describe situations where an action or event is a direct result of a particular condition. It can be used to describe natural phenomena, machine operations, or other situations where the outcome is predictable. This pattern is often used in a more formal or objective tone, and it's not typically used to express personal intentions or requests.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form | Verb or i-adjective + と | 雨が降る |
| Present tense | Verb or i-adjective + と | 雪が降る |
| Past tense | Verb or i-adjective + と | 雪が降った |
このボタンを押すとお釣りが出ます。
Kono botan o sasu to otari ga deteimasu.
When you press this button, the change will come out.
このボタンを押す (press this button) と (resulting in) お釣りが出ます (the change will come out)
冬に雪が降ると、道路が凍ります。
Fuyu ni yuki ga futte iru to, dōro ga kori masu.
When it snows in winter, the road will freeze.
冬に (in winter) 雪が降る (snows) と (resulting in) 道路が凍る (the road will freeze)
電球を点けると、部屋が明るくなります。
Denkyo o tsukeru to, heya ga akaruku naru.
When you turn on the light bulb, the room will become brighter.
電球を点ける (turn on the light bulb) と (resulting in) 部屋が明るくなる (the room will become brighter)
This pattern is used to express a natural or inevitable consequence, and it's often used in formal or objective situations. It's not typically used to express personal intentions or requests. In terms of register, this pattern is used in both formal and informal situations.
～と (to) is used to express a natural or inevitable consequence, while なら (nara) and たら (tara) are used to express personal intentions or requests.
The past tense is not typically used before 'to', as it's used to express a natural or inevitable consequence. Instead, use the present or past tense of the verb or i-adjective.
～と (to) is used to express a natural or inevitable consequence, while なら (nara) is used to express a one-time event.
When using ～と (to) in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it to express a natural or inevitable consequence. Avoid using it for personal intentions or requests, and be careful not to confuse it with other patterns such as なら (nara) or たら (tara).
このボタンを ______ 、お釣りが出ます。
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