Japanese Conditional Forms: ば, たら, と, なら

Here's a quick comparison of the four conditionals:

The ば-form expresses hypothetical conditions. It's often used for general statements and proverbs.

Formation:

• Godan: Change final う-sound to え-sound + ば (書く → 書けば)
• Ichidan: Drop る, add れば (食べる → 食べれば)
• する → すれば, くる → くれば
• Adjectives: drop い, add ければ (高い → 高ければ)

The たら-form is the most versatile conditional. It's formed by adding ら to the past tense:

• 食べた + ら = 食べたら
• 行った + ら = 行ったら
• 高かった + ら = 高かったら

Use たら when:

• The condition must be completed before the result
• Making suggestions or giving advice
• Describing specific, one-time situations

The と conditional expresses natural, automatic, or inevitable consequences. Use the dictionary form + と:

• 押す + と = 押すと (if you press)
• 春になる + と = 春になると (when spring comes)

Best used for:

• Cause and effect (natural laws)
• Instructions and directions
• Habitual sequences

なら means "if it's the case that..." and is often used to respond to something the listener said or to give advice based on a premise:

Compare these examples with the same meaning but different nuances: