whenever ~, if ~ (natural consequence)

Beginner

10-15 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses natural consequence or habitual action.

[Dictionary form] + と

春になると、桜が咲きます。

Haru ni naru to, sakura ga sakimasu.

When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom.

このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。

Kono botan wo osu to, doa ga akimasu.

If you press this button, the door opens.

Use for natural/automatic results, not for volitional actions.

～ば (ba form)

if ~, when ~

～たら (tara form)

if ~, when ~, after ~

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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