The 'If/When' Conditional (~tara)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The ~tara form is your go-to for 'if' or 'when' conditions, formed by adding 'ra' to the past tense verb.
- Conjugate the verb to its past plain form (e.g., {食べた|たべた}).
- Add 'ra' to the end to create the conditional (e.g., {食べたら|たべたら}).
- Use it for hypothetical situations or sequential events (e.g., 'If/When I eat, I will go').
Overview
The Japanese conditional form ~たら (-tara) is a cornerstone of expressing "if" or "when" in the language. Unlike other conditionals which often carry specific nuances or limitations, ~たら is remarkably versatile, making it one of the most frequently encountered and essential patterns for intermediate learners. Its fundamental function is to connect a completed prior action or state (A) with a subsequent event or consequence (B), implying a sequential relationship: "Once A happens/is, then B." This sequential nature allows ~たら to describe both hypothetical scenarios and events that are certain to occur.
This conditional is highly adaptable, appearing in casual conversation, formal speech, and written communication. Its flexibility stems from its ability to accommodate a wide range of sentence endings, including expressions of volition, requests, commands, suggestions, and even discoveries. Mastering ~たら provides a robust tool for constructing complex sentences and navigating diverse communicative situations in Japanese.
How This Grammar Works
~たら functions by establishing a temporal-sequential relationship between two clauses. The first clause, ending in ~たら, describes an action or state that must be fully completed or realized before the second clause's event can occur. This is a critical distinction from other conditionals.A たら B: A is the prerequisite, and B is the outcome that follows its completion.- Hypothetical Conditions: When
Ais a potential event or state,Bdescribes what would happen ifAwere to occur. The speaker acknowledges thatAmight not happen, but the consequenceBis contingent upon its completion. For example,雨が降ったら、ピクニックは中止だ。(Ame ga futtara, pikunikku wa chuushi da.– If it rains, the picnic will be cancelled.) Here,雨が降る(it rains) is a hypothetical condition.
- Temporal Reference / Certain Future Events: When
Ais an event expected to occur,~たらexpresses "when" or "after"Ahappens.Bis the action or state that will certainly follow. This use emphasizes the completion ofAas a trigger forB. For instance,家に着いたら、すぐに連絡します。(Ie ni tsuitara, sugu ni renraku shimasu.– When I get home, I will contact you immediately.) The arrival home is an anticipated event, and contact will follow its completion.
~たら is famously used to express "discovery" or unexpected consequences. In these cases, a speaker performs action A, and upon its completion, unexpectedly finds themselves in situation B. The element of surprise or realization is key.ドアを開けたら、猫が入ってきた。 (Doa o aketara, neko ga haitte kita. – When I opened the door, a cat came in.) The speaker opened the door (A), and unexpectedly, a cat entered (B).Formation Pattern
~たら conditional is straightforward, as it primarily involves attaching ら to the た-form (past tense plain form) of verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives, and nouns. Understanding the た-form conjugation is prerequisite for ~たら.
た-form (Casual Past) | ~たら Form (Conditional) | Example Translation |
行く (iku) | 行った (itta) | 行ったら (ittara) | If/When I go |
飲む (nomu) | 飲んだ (nonda) | 飲んだら (nondara) | If/When I drink |
食べる (taberu) | 食べた (tabeta) | 食べたら (tabetara) | If/When I eat |
見る (miru) | 見た (mita) | 見たら (mitara) | If/When I see/watch |
する (suru) | した (shita) | したら (shitara) | If/When I do |
来る (kuru) | 来た (kita) | 来たら (kitara) | If/When I come |
い-Adjectives | | | | |
暑い (atsui) | 暑かった (atsukatta) | 暑かったら (atsukattara) | If it's hot |
忙しい (isogashii) | 忙しかった (isogashikatta) | 忙しかったら (isogashikattara) | If I'm busy |
な-Adjectives | | | | |
元気 (genki) | 元気だった (genki datta) | 元気だったら (genki dattara) | If I'm well |
暇 (hima) | 暇だった (hima datta) | 暇だったら (hima dattara) | If I'm free |
学生 (gakusei) | 学生だった (gakusei datta) | 学生だったら (gakusei dattara) | If I'm a student |
雨 (ame) | 雨だった (ame datta) | 雨だったら (ame dattara) | If it's rain/raining|
~たら form can also be used by attaching ら to the ~ました form of verbs, or ~でした for な-adjectives and nouns. This creates ~ましたら and ~でしたら.
行きます (ikimasu) → 行きましたら (ikimashitara) – If/When I go (polite)
な-Adjectives: 元気です (genki desu) → 元気でしたら (genki deshitara) – If you are well (polite)
雨です (ame desu) → 雨でしたら (ame deshitara) – If it is rain (polite)
When To Use It
~たら is highly versatile and applicable in numerous situations where a sequential or completed condition is involved. Its utility can be categorized into four main areas:- 1Hypothetical Conditions and Possible Future Events: Use
~たらwhen discussing scenarios that might happen in the future, and their potential outcomes. The emphasis is on the assumption that the first event will be completed.
もし宝くじに当たったら、世界中を旅したい。(Moshi takarakuji ni atattara, sekaijuu o tabi shitai.– If I win the lottery, I want to travel the world.) – Expresses a desire contingent on a hypothetical event.時間があったら、また会いましょう。(Jikan ga attara, mata aimashou.– If we have time, let's meet again.) – A suggestion based on a potential future condition.
- 1Sequential Actions and Expected Future Events: This usage describes an event
Bthat is expected to occur immediately or soon after eventAhas been completed. It's often translated as "when" or "after."
大学を卒業したら、海外で働きたい。(Daigaku o sotsugyou shitara, kaigai de hatarakitai.– When I graduate from university, I want to work overseas.) – Emphasizes the completion of graduation as a prerequisite for working abroad.駅に着いたら、電話してください。(Eki ni tsuitara, denwa shite kudasai.– Please call me when you arrive at the station.) – A request contingent on the completion of arriving.
- 1Discovery or Unexpected Outcomes (Past Tense Focus): This distinct usage describes a situation where, upon completing action
A, the speaker unexpectedly discovers situationB. The second clause (B) often expresses surprise, a realization, or an unforeseen consequence. BothAandBhave usually occurred in the past.
窓を開けたら、涼しい風が入ってきた。(Mado o aketara, suzushii kaze ga haitte kita.– When I opened the window, a cool breeze came in.) – The cool breeze was a consequence of opening the window.本棚を片付けたら、昔の写真が出てきた。(Hondana o katazuketara, mukashi no shashin ga dete kita.– When I tidied up the bookshelf, old photos appeared.) – The photos' appearance was a discovery resulting from tidying.
- 1Suggestions, Requests, and Advice:
~たらis frequently used to make gentle suggestions or requests, particularly when paired with interrogative endings likeどうですか(dou desu ka– How about...?), or simply followed byいいです(ii desu– It's good/better if...). This form is softer than a direct command.
疲れたら、少し休んだらどうですか。(Tsukaretara, sukoshi yasundara dou desu ka.– If you're tired, how about resting a little?) – Offers advice.分からなかったら、先生に聞いたらいいですよ。(Wakarakattara, sensei ni kiitara ii desu yo.– If you don't understand, it's good to ask the teacher.) – Provides a recommendation.
- 1Expressing Regret (
~たらよかった): While not a direct conditional usage,~たらcombines withよかった(yokatta– was good) to express regret, meaning "I wish I had done A" or "It would have been better if I had done A." This structure reflects on a past action that was not taken or a desired alternative.
もっと勉強したらよかった。(Motto benkyou shitara yokatta.– I wish I had studied more.)あの時に買っておいたらよかったのに。(Ano toki ni katte oitara yokatta noni.– I wish I had bought it at that time.)
When Not To Use It
~たら is grammatically incorrect or semantically unnatural. Understanding these limitations is crucial for precise communication and distinguishing ~たら from other conditionals.- 1For Universal Truths or Inevitable Consequences: When describing natural laws, fixed relationships, or outcomes that are always true,
~と(-to) is the preferred conditional.~たらimplies a specific instance or a potentially surprising discovery, making it awkward for general truths.
- Incorrect:
水を100度に温めたら、沸騰する。(Mizu o hyaku-do ni atatametara, futtou suru. – If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.) - Correct:
水を100度に温めると、沸騰する。(Mizu o hyaku-do ni atatameru to, futtou suru.– When you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.) – This highlights an inherent, predictable outcome.
- 1For General Habitual Actions When
~とis More Natural: While~たらcan describe a repeated sequence (e.g., "Every time I do A, B happens"),~とoften sounds more natural for describing general habits or regular occurrences that are universally true or part of a routine.
- Less Natural:
疲れたら、いつもコーヒーを飲む。(While understandable,~たらhere might imply a more specific instance of becoming tired.) - More Natural:
疲れると、いつもコーヒーを飲む。(Tsukareru to, itsumo koohii o nomu.– When I get tired, I always drink coffee.) –~とconveys a general, repeated pattern.
- 1When Reacting to Given Information or Context (
~ならis Preferred):~なら(-nara) is used when the conditional clause (A) is based on information the speaker has just heard or assumed, andBis a reaction or suggestion based on that information, not necessarily waiting forAto be completed.~たらrequiresAto be completed beforeBoccurs.
- Scenario: Someone says:
「明日東京へ行きます。」("Ashita Toukyou e ikimasu." – I'm going to Tokyo tomorrow.) - Incorrect Reaction (using
~たら):東京に行ったら、お土産を買ってください。(Toukyou ni ittara, omiyage o katte kudasai. – If you arrive in Tokyo, please buy a souvenir.) – This implies waiting until their arrival in Tokyo, then asking for a souvenir. The timing is off for a typical request made before the trip. - Correct Reaction (using
~なら):東京へ行くなら、お土産を買ってください。(Toukyou e iku nara, omiyage o katte kudasai.– If you are going to Tokyo, please buy a souvenir.) – This reacts to the information given and makes a request before the action of going is completed.
- 1For Simple, Direct Conditions that are Not Sequential (
~ばcan be used): While~たらis often interchangeable with~ば(-ba) in hypothetical situations,~ばsometimes carries a more direct "given A, then B" logical connection without the strong sequential or discovery nuance of~たら. IfAsimply impliesBwithout a temporal gap,~ばmight be a clearer choice, especially for more formal or generalized statements.
雨が降れば、道が濡れる。(Ame ga fureba, michi ga nureru.– If it rains, the roads get wet.) – A general statement where~ばfeels natural. While~たらisn't wrong here,~ばemphasizes the logical causality more.
Common Mistakes
~たら. Being aware of these common errors and their underlying reasons will significantly enhance your accuracy and naturalness in Japanese.- 1Attaching
らto the Dictionary Form: The most frequent beginner mistake is forgetting to conjugate to theた-form before addingら.~たらalways connects to the plain past tense.
- Incorrect:
食べるら(taberura),するら(surura) - Correct:
食べたら(tabetara),したら(shitara) - Reason: The
た-form inherently carries a sense of completion or past action, which is central to~たら's function of "once A is complete, then B."
- 1Confusing
~たらwith~とfor Inevitable Outcomes: As discussed,~たらimplies a specific instance or discovery, whereas~とis for universal truths or inevitable results. Using~たらfor things like scientific facts can sound unnatural.
- Awkward:
電気を消したら、暗くなる。(While understandable, it sounds like a one-time event rather than a general rule). - Natural:
電気を消すと、暗くなる。(Denki o kesu to, kuraku naru.– When you turn off the light, it gets dark.) - Reason:
~とdirectly links cause and effect without the temporal emphasis on prior completion that~たらcarries for specific events.
- 1Misapplying
~たらwhere~ならis Required (Contextual Conditions): This is a subtle but important distinction.~たらrequires the action in the conditional clause to be completed.~ならreacts to existing information or a stated plan, without necessarily waiting for its completion.
- Scenario: Friend:
「明日富士山に登ります。」("Ashita Fujisan ni noborimasu." – I'm climbing Mt. Fuji tomorrow.) - Incorrect (using
~たらfor a suggestion about the plan):富士山に登ったら、お弁当を持っていったほうがいいですよ。(Fujisan ni nobottara, obentou o motte itta hou ga ii desu yo. – If you have climbed Mt. Fuji, it's better to bring a lunch.) – Grammatically correct but contextually awkward. You're giving advice after the climb, not for the climb itself. - Correct (using
~ならfor a suggestion about the plan):富士山に登るなら、お弁当を持っていったほうがいいですよ。(Fujisan ni noboru nara, obentou o motte itta hou ga ii desu yo.– If you are going to climb Mt. Fuji, it's better to bring a lunch.) – This is a more natural response, reacting to the stated intention. - Reason:
~ならforms a conditional based on the statement or context, whereas~たらforms a conditional based on the completion of the action.
- 1Overusing Volitional/Request Forms in the Consequent Clause: While
~たらcan take volitional, request, or command forms, it's important to remember that the speaker is generally expressing their own will or a suggestion. Using it for direct commands to others about inevitable outcomes can sound stiff.
- Natural:
雨が降ったら、傘を差しましょう。(Ame ga futtara, kasa o sashimashou.– If it rains, let's use an umbrella.) – Suggestion. - Less Natural (for a general instruction):
赤信号になったら、止まれ。(While possible,~とor~ばmight be more common for a general rule like a traffic law.) - Reason:
~たらoften retains a degree of personal judgment or specific circumstance, which pairs well with expressions of will but can be less suitable for impersonal, universal commands.
Real Conversations
~たら is an indispensable tool in authentic Japanese communication, appearing across various registers. Observing its use in natural contexts reveals its practical flexibility.
1. Casual Conversation (Friends, Family):
- 週末暇だったら、映画でも見に行かない？ (Shuumatsu hima dattara, eiga demo mi ni ikanai? – If you're free this weekend, wanna go see a movie or something?) – A common way to make a casual suggestion or invitation.
- 渋谷に着いたら、LINEしてね！ (Shibuya ni tsuitara, LINE shite ne! – When you arrive in Shibuya, text me on LINE, okay?) – Coordinating plans with a sequential action and a casual request.
- 昨日本屋に行ったら、欲しかった漫画が見つかったんだ！ (Kinou honya ni ittara, hoshikatta manga ga mitsukattanda! – When I went to the bookstore yesterday, I found the manga I wanted!) – Describing a past discovery or unexpected pleasant outcome.
2. Polite Conversation (Colleagues, Service Industry):
- 資料が準備できましたら、すぐにご連絡いたします。 (Shiryou ga junbi dekimashitara, sugu ni go-renraku itashimasu. – When the documents are ready, I will contact you immediately.) – A polite promise or notification in a business context, using ~ましたら.
- 何かご不明点がございましたら、お気軽にお尋ねください。 (Nanika go-fumeiten ga gozaimashitara, o-kigaru ni o-tazune kudasai. – If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.) – Standard polite customer service phrasing, using a formal variant of ~でしたら.
3. Internal Monologue / Thought Process:
- もし自分が鳥だったら、どこへ飛んでいこうかな？ (Moshi jibun ga tori dattara, doko e tonde ikou kana? – If I were a bird, where would I fly to?) – Expressing a hypothetical thought or daydream.
- 財布を開けたら、お金が全然なかった…。 (Saifu o aketara, okane ga zenzen nakatta…. – When I opened my wallet, there was no money at all...) – A common "discovery" scenario, often with an element of mild shock or disappointment.
4. Written Communication (Emails, Social Media):
- 今度日本にいらっしゃいましたら、ぜひ大阪城へお立ち寄りください。 (Kondo Nihon ni irasshaimashitara, zehi Oosakajou e o-tachi-yori kudasai. – If you come to Japan next time, please do stop by Osaka Castle.) – A polite suggestion in an email.
- このアプリ、使ってみたら意外と便利だった！ (Kono apuri, tsukatte mitara igai to benri datta! – I tried using this app, and it was surprisingly convenient!) – A common social media post describing a personal discovery or review.
Progressive Practice
Mastering ~たら requires gradual exposure and application across different contexts. Follow these steps to build your proficiency.
Level 1: Conjugation Drills (Foundation):
- Practice converting verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives, and nouns into their ~たら forms. Focus on accuracy and speed.
- Example: Change 読む (yomu), 高い (takai), 簡単 (kantan), 医者 (isha) to their ~たら forms.
- (読んだら, 高かったら, 簡単だったら, 医者だったら)
Level 2: Simple Hypotheticals (If A, then B):
- Construct basic sentences expressing simple hypothetical conditions with clear, direct consequences. Focus on using a variety of verbs and adjectives.
- 雨が降ったら、外には行きません。 (Ame ga futtara, soto ni wa ikimasen. – If it rains, I won't go outside.)
- 時間があったら、本を読みます。 (Jikan ga attara, hon o yomimasu. – If I have time, I'll read a book.)
Level 3: Sequential Actions (When A, then B):
- Formulate sentences describing an action that will definitely follow the completion of another. Pay attention to the natural flow of events.
- 仕事が終わったら、友達と飲みに行きます。 (Shigoto ga owattara, tomodachi to nomi ni ikimasu. – When work finishes, I'll go drinking with friends.)
- 日本に着いたら、すぐに連絡しますね。 (Nihon ni tsuitara, sugu ni renraku shimasu ne. – When I arrive in Japan, I'll contact you right away, okay?)
Level 4: Discovery and Unexpected Results (Past Tense):
- Practice describing situations where an action led to an unforeseen or discovered outcome. These sentences typically involve past events.
- 部屋に入ったら、電気が消えていた。 (Heya ni haittara, denki ga kiete ita. – When I entered the room, the lights were off.)
- テレビをつけたら、偶然昔のドラマを{やっていた}。 (Terebi o tsuketara, guuzen mukashi no dorama o yatte ita. – When I turned on the TV, an old drama was coincidentally on.)
Level 5: Suggestions and Regrets:
- Practice giving advice using ~たらどうですか or making regretful statements with ~たらよかった.
- 熱があるなら、会社を休んだらどうですか？ (Netsu ga aru nara, kaisha o yasundara dou desu ka? – If you have a fever, why don't you take a day off work?)
- もっと早く出発したらよかった。 (Motto hayaku shuppatsu shitara yokatta. – I wish I had departed earlier.)
Level 6: Distinguishing from Other Conditionals:
- Create scenarios and determine which conditional (~たら, ~と, ~ば, ~なら) is most appropriate. Explain your reasoning.
- Scenario: You always get sleepy after eating. (Use ~と for habitual)
- Scenario: If it's a holiday, let's go out. (Use ~たら for hypothetical/suggestion)
- Scenario: If you're going to the party, could you buy some snacks? (Use ~なら for contextual request)
Quick FAQ
~たら always about a single, specific event?Not exclusively. While ~たら often refers to a specific instance, it can be used for habitual actions if the emphasis is on the completion of the condition each time it occurs. However, for general truths or unavoidable habitual outcomes, ~と is usually more natural.
~たら be used for events that have already happened?Yes, it is very common in the "discovery" sense, where A and B both occurred in the past, and B was discovered or realized upon the completion of A. For example, 店に入ったら、友達がいた。 (When I entered the shop, my friend was there.).
~たら and ~と?~と indicates a natural, inevitable, or general consequence, often used for universal truths or direct cause-and-effect. ~たら implies a sequential relationship where the first action's completion triggers the second, and it can accommodate expressions of will, requests, and discoveries, which ~と generally cannot.
~たら differ from ~ば?~ば often expresses a general or logical condition, often used in more formal or literary contexts, or for expressing general advice or rules. It focuses on the condition itself. ~たら focuses on the completion of the first action as the trigger for the second, is more common in spoken Japanese, and can take a wider range of sentence endings, including volition and requests.
~たら versus ~なら?This is a crucial distinction. ~たら indicates that action A must be completed before consequence B occurs. ~なら, on the other hand, reacts to existing information or a stated premise. The action in a ~なら clause does not necessarily need to be completed, or even start, for the B clause to be relevant. Think of ~なら as "if that's the case" or "if what you say is true/if you are going to do A."
~たらよかった the only way ~たら expresses regret?Primarily, yes. The structure ~たらよかった is the standard way to express regret or "I wish I had done X." While ~たら in isolation can hint at a missed opportunity in some contexts (e.g., in a discovery clause implying a negative surprise), the explicit expression of regret comes from pairing it with よかった.
Conjugation of ~tara
| Verb Type | Plain Past | Conditional (~tara) |
|---|---|---|
|
Group 1 (u-verb)
|
買った (katta)
|
買ったら (kattara)
|
|
Group 2 (ru-verb)
|
食べた (tabeta)
|
食べたら (tabetara)
|
|
Group 3 (irregular)
|
した (shita)
|
したら (shitara)
|
|
Group 3 (irregular)
|
来た (kita)
|
来たら (kitara)
|
|
i-Adjective
|
暑かった (atsukatta)
|
暑かったら (atsukattara)
|
|
na-Adjective/Noun
|
静かだった (shizuka datta)
|
静かだったら (shizuka dattara)
|
Meanings
The ~tara form is a versatile conditional used to express 'if' or 'when' a condition is met. It often implies that the second clause happens after the first condition is fulfilled.
Hypothetical Condition
Used to express a condition that must be met for the result to occur.
“{時間|じかん}があったら、{映画|えいが}を{見|み}ます。”
“{お金|おかね}があったら、{旅行|りょこう}に{行|い}きます。”
Sequential Event
Used to indicate that one action happens immediately after another.
“{家|いえ}に{帰|かえ}ったら、{手|て}を{洗|あら}います。”
“{学校|がっこう}に{着|つ}いたら、{連絡|れんらく}します。”
Discovery
Used to express surprise or realization upon doing something.
“{開|あ}けてみたら、{中|なか}は{空|から}だった。”
“{行|い}ってみたら、{店|みせ}が{閉|し}まっていた。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Past Plain + ra
|
食べたら (If I eat)
|
|
Negative
|
Negative Past + ra
|
食べなかったら (If I don't eat)
|
|
Polite
|
Past Plain + ra + polite
|
食べたら、行きます (If I eat, I will go)
|
|
Question
|
Past Plain + ra + ka
|
食べたら、いいですか？ (Is it okay if I eat?)
|
|
Past Discovery
|
Past Plain + ra
|
行ったら、閉まっていた (When I went, it was closed)
|
Formality Spectrum
{時間|じかん}がありましたら、{参|まい}ります。 (Social plans)
{時間|じかん}があったら、{行|い}きます。 (Social plans)
{時間|じかん}があったら、{行|い}くよ。 (Social plans)
{時間|じかん}あったら、{行|い}くわ。 (Social plans)
The Versatility of ~tara
Hypothetical
- If Condition
Sequential
- When Time
Discovery
- Found Realization
Examples by Level
{時間|じかん}があったら、{遊|あそ}びます。
If I have time, I will play.
{家|いえ}に{帰|かえ}ったら、{寝|ね}ます。
When I get home, I will sleep.
{安|やす}かったら、{買|か}います。
If it is cheap, I will buy it.
{雨|あめ}が{降|ふ}ったら、{行|い}きません。
If it rains, I won't go.
{明日|あした}はれだったら、{公園|こうえん}へ{行|い}こう。
If it is sunny tomorrow, let's go to the park.
{駅|えき}に{着|つ}いたら、{電話|でんわ}してね。
When you arrive at the station, call me.
{仕事|しごと}が{終|お}わったら、{飲|の}みましょう。
When work is finished, let's go for a drink.
{美味|おい}しかったら、また{来|く}ます。
If it is delicious, I will come again.
{彼|かれ}が{来|く}たら、{会議|かいぎ}を{始|はじ}めましょう。
When he arrives, let's start the meeting.
{試|ため}してみたら、とても{簡単|かんたん}でした。
When I tried it, it was very easy.
{お金|おかね}がなかったら、{買|か}えません。
If I don't have money, I can't buy it.
{準備|じゅんび}ができたら、{教|おし}えてください。
When you are ready, please let me know.
{もっと|もっと}{練習|れんしゅう}したら、{上手|じょうず}になるでしょう。
If you practice more, you will likely get better.
{行|い}ってみたら、{店|みせ}は{閉|し}まっていました。
When I went there, the shop was closed.
{もし|もし}{合格|ごうかく}したら、{祝|いわ}いましょう。
If you pass, let's celebrate.
{彼|かれ}が{言|い}った{通|とお}りにしたら、{成功|せいこう}しました。
When I did as he said, I succeeded.
{彼|かれ}の{話|はなし}を{聞|き}いたら、{怒|おこ}るのも{無理|むり}はない。
Having heard his story, it's no wonder he's angry.
{何|なに}かあったら、すぐ{連絡|れんらく}してください。
If anything happens, please contact me immediately.
{見|み}てみたら、{実|じつ}に{興味深|きょうみぶか}い{結果|けっか}でした。
Upon looking, it was a truly interesting result.
{そう|そう}したら、{話|はなし}は{変|か}わってきますね。
If that is the case, the story changes, doesn't it?
{彼|かれ}の{立場|たちば}だったら、{同|おな}じことをしただろう。
If I were in his position, I would have done the same.
{一度|いちど}{読|よ}んだら、{忘|わす}れることはない。
Once you have read it, you will never forget it.
{何|なに}を{言|い}ったら{彼|かれ}は{納得|なっとく}するのだろうか。
What would I have to say for him to be convinced?
{時|とき}が{経|た}ったら、{全|すべ}てが{解決|かいけつ}する。
When time passes, everything will be resolved.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'if/when'.
Both are conditional.
Both are conditional.
Common Mistakes
Taberu-tara
Tabetara
Ame ga furu-tara
Ame ga futtara
Iku-tara
Ittara
Yasui-tara
Yasukattara
Kirei-tara
Kirei-dattara
Miru-tara
Mitara
Tabeta-tara
Tabetara
Using ~tara for universal facts
Use ~to
Using ~tara for commands
Use ~ba
Using ~tara for future certainty
Use ~to
Overusing ~tara in formal writing
Use ~ba or ~nara
Misusing ~tara for hypothetical past
Use ~tara + past
Ignoring nuance of discovery
Context-dependent
Confusing ~tara with ~nara
Use ~nara for topics
Sentence Patterns
___ があったら、___ します。
___ したら、___ してください。
___ してみたら、___ でした。
もし ___ したら、___ でしょう。
Real World Usage
着いたら連絡して！
採用されたら頑張ります。
駅に着いたら右へ曲がってください。
届いたらすぐ食べます。
これを見たらシェアしてね！
準備ができたらお送りします。
Use for sequences
Avoid for facts
Discovery nuance
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use ~tara to link your condition to the plan.
Use ~tara for clear steps.
Use ~tara + miru.
Use ~tara for personal conditions.
Pronunciation
Tara rhythm
Ensure the 'ta' and 'ra' are distinct and clear.
Rising intonation
Tabetara? ↑
Used for questions or suggestions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'tara' as 'tara-ta' (past) + 'ra' (if). If you have a 'past' memory, you can 'if' about it!
Visual Association
Imagine a fork in the road. One path is labeled 'If' and the other 'When'. Both paths lead to the same destination, which is the ~tara signpost.
Rhyme
Past tense verb, add a 'ra', now you've got a conditional star!
Story
Kenji was hungry. He thought, 'If I eat (tabetara) this cake, I'll be happy.' He ate it. Then he realized, 'When I ate (tabetara) it, I felt full.' He discovered that the same word works for both!
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using ~tara about your plans for this weekend.
Cultural Notes
Used universally in daily life.
Often uses 'tara' but with different pitch accents.
Use with caution; 'ba' or 'nara' may be more polite.
Derived from the past tense 'ta' + the conditional particle 'ra'.
Conversation Starters
{明日|あした}、{雨|あめ}が{降|ふ}ったらどうしますか？
{日本|にほん}に{行|い}ったら、{何|なに}をしたいですか？
{仕事|しごと}が{終|お}わったら、{何|なに}をしますか？
{宝くじ|たからくじ}が{当|あ}たったら、どうしますか？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
雨が ___ 、行きません。
If I eat, I will go.
Find and fix the mistake:
食べるたら、行きます。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
If I have time, I will study.
Answer starts with: 時間が...
Iku -> ?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
A: 暇ですか？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises雨が ___ 、行きません。
If I eat, I will go.
Find and fix the mistake:
食べるたら、行きます。
着いたら / 電話 / します / 駅に
If I have time, I will study.
Iku -> ?
If/When
A: 暇ですか？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Bank
5 exercisesこれを____、{病気|びょうき}になりますよ。
[中止|ちゅうし] [だったら] [試合|しあい] [は] [雨|あめ]
Match the following:
Choose the best option:
If you have money, what do you want to buy?
Score: /5
FAQ (8)
It's very versatile, but avoid it for universal facts (~to) or strong commands (~ba).
It's neutral. Use it with polite verb endings for formal situations.
It reflects the completion of the condition before the next action.
It will sound unnatural or incorrect to native speakers.
~ba is more hypothetical; ~tara is more sequential.
Yes, to describe a discovery or sequence of events.
Yes, pitch accent and usage frequency vary by dialect.
Think of it as 'after that happens'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si + presente
Japanese ~tara covers time sequences too.
Si + présent
Sequential usage is unique to ~tara.
Wenn
Conjugation is different.
~ba
~tara is more colloquial.
Idha
Japanese uses past tense base.
Ruguo
Japanese uses verb conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
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14:29 Interview Self-Introduction | How to Prepare for a Japanese Job Interview | Japnese Daily Podcast
How to say "IF" (conditional たら vs なら) differences
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How to say "IF" in Japanese | A CONCISE guide to the たら、と、 ば and なら conditionals
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Mastering Japanese Conditionals: と, たら, ば, なら
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