と（条件）
If/when (Natural)
The と conditional expresses an inevitable result: 'Whenever A happens, B always follows.' It is used for natural laws, machine operations, and fixed habits.
How It Works
The と conditional is the most 'objective' way to express a condition in Japanese. It describes a cause-and-effect relationship that is not influenced by the speaker's opinion or will.
1. Usage Scenarios:
- Natural Phenomena: 'When spring comes, flowers bloom.'
- Mechanical Results: 'If you turn this dial, the volume increases.'
- Giving Directions: 'Go straight and you will see the bank.'
- Personal Habits: 'Whenever I drink coffee, I get sleepy.'
2. Grammatical Rules:
- It attaches to the plain non-past form (dictionary form) of verbs and adjectives.
- For な-adjectives and nouns, you must add だ before と (e.g., 静かだと, 学生だと).
- CRITICAL RESTRICTION: The second part of the sentence (the result) cannot be a command, request, suggestion, or invitation. You cannot say 'If it rains, let's stay home' using と.
Examples (5)
- 春になると、花が咲きます。
When spring comes, flowers bloom.
Word by Word: Spring to become when, flowers (subject) bloom.
This is a natural consequence. The change of season inevitably leads to flowers blooming.
- このボタンを押すと、電気がつきます。
If you press this button, the light turns on.
Word by Word: This button (object) press when, electricity (subject) turns on.
This describes a mechanical result. Pressing the button causes the light to turn on automatically.
- まっすぐ行くと、右側に銀行があります。
If you go straight, there is a bank on the right side.
Word by Word: Straight go when, right side on bank (subject) exists.
Commonly used for directions because the location of the building is a fixed fact.
- お酒を飲むと、顔が赤くなります。
Whenever I drink alcohol, my face turns red.
Word by Word: Alcohol (object) drink when, face (subject) red becomes.
This expresses a physiological habit or inevitable personal reaction.
- 安くないと、買いません。
If it's not cheap, I won't buy it.
Word by Word: Cheap not when, buy not.
This shows the pattern used with the negative form (ない form) of an adjective.
Common Mistakes
Using と for requests or invitations.
時間が有ると、手伝ってください。時間が有ったら、手伝ってください。The 'と' conditional cannot be followed by a request (ください). Use 'たら' for personal requests or suggestions.
Using と for one-time hypothetical situations.
明日雨が降ると、行きません。明日雨が降ったら、行きません。Because 'と' implies an inevitable or habitual result, it sounds strange for a specific one-time future event like tomorrow's weather. 'たら' is much more natural here.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the 'と' conditional, you need to know how to use verbs in their dictionary form and how basic Japanese sentences are structured. It is also helpful to understand the verb 'なる' (to become), as this pattern is very commonly used to describe natural changes and consequences.
Related Patterns
- たらIf/when (Completed)
The most flexible conditional, used for one-time events and followed by requests/volition, unlike 'と'.
Level 2 - ばIf (Hypothetical)
Focuses on the necessary condition ('if and only if'), whereas 'と' focuses on the automatic result.
Level 2 - ならIf (Topic)
Used for contextual 'if' (speaking of/if that's the case), while 'と' is for objective cause-and-effect.
Level 2 - ます形Polite Verb Ending
The 'と' conditional requires the dictionary form, but the final verb in the sentence often uses the 'ます form' for politeness.
Level 1 - ない形Plain Negative
The negative plain form is used with 'と' to express 'if something does NOT happen'.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice と（条件） in Bubblegum
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