The most versatile conditional form in Japanese. Covers hypothetical conditions ('if'), temporal sequences ('when'), and discoveries ('when I did X, I found Y'). Accepts volitional expressions (commands, intentions, invitations) in the main clause, unlike 〜と. Often carries a stronger sense of causal link than 〜ば. In spoken Japanese, 〜たら is more common than 〜ば for everyday hypotheticals.

The ば form expresses a general or hypothetical condition. For verbs and i-adjectives, use 〜ば/〜ければ; for na-adjectives and nouns, use 〜なら(ば). The main clause is typically a predictable result or the speaker's judgment. Unlike 〜たら, 〜ば cannot be used when the main clause expresses a past event or a command directed at the hearer from a stative predicate. なら(ば) in this pattern is the structural form, not the discourse/topic conditional.

Expresses a natural, habitual, or inevitable consequence. When A happens, B always / naturally follows. The main clause must be a non-volitional result — commands, intentions, requests, and invitations cannot appear after 〜と. Commonly used for natural phenomena, machine instructions, habitual events, and discoveries (with past tense in the main clause: 〜と〜た). The link between A and B is tighter than with 〜たら or 〜ば.

Also appears inHypothetical & Definite Conditions

A common pattern for giving suggestions or advice. The full form is 〜たらどうですか, but in casual speech it is often shortened to 〜たらどう？ or even just 〜たら？. Can be used to make a neutral suggestion, but depending on tone can also carry a critical edge ('why don't you just…'). Not to be confused with the general conditional 〜たら — here it always pairs with どう.

A hearer-oriented conditional that picks up on the other party's statement, situation, or a shared context, and makes a judgment or suggestion based on that premise. Crucial difference from 〜たら: with 〜なら, the temporal order can be reversed — the main clause action can precede the condition (e.g. 'If you're going to Kyoto, you should read this guidebook' — reading happens BEFORE going). Also used for giving advice or recommendations based on someone's stated plans. Cannot be used when there is no shared context or when the condition is purely hypothetical.

Expresses that if just one condition is met, everything else will follow or be fine. The さえ particle means 'even' or 'only', and together with the ば conditional it creates a 'if only X, then Y' structure. Implies that other conditions are either already satisfied or irrelevant — only this one matters. Often carries a nuance that the condition is minimal or surprising in its sufficiency.

Deliberately sets up a hypothetical scenario for consideration. 〜としたら is the most general — 'supposing that'. 〜とすれば leans more toward logical deduction: 'if we reason from the premise that'. 〜とすると focuses on the consequence that follows from the assumption: 'if we work from that assumption'. All three often co-occur with sentence-initial もし. Used in both serious deliberation and playful 'what if' speculation.

A counterfactual conditional that expresses regret, complaint, or longing about a reality that differs from the stated condition. The のに at the end carries the sense of 'even though the condition isn't met' or 'but things aren't that way'. The main clause often ends with state or potential expressions (残念だ, よかった, できる, etc.). In casual speech, the main clause is frequently left unsaid — the standalone 〜ば〜のに is itself a complete expression of regret.

Marks an action or state as a prerequisite without which something else cannot happen or be determined. The main clause is almost always negative or expresses impossibility (〜ない, 〜できない, わからない, 判断できない, etc.). Emphasizes that the first step is indispensable before any conclusion or next step. Similar to 〜なければ but with a stronger sense of logical necessity and more formal tone.

Two distinct usages depending on the preceding form. With the potential form (行けるものなら, できるものなら), it expresses a strong but often unrealizable wish: 'I would if I could'. The implication is that the condition cannot easily be met. With the volitional form (言おうものなら, やろうものなら), it becomes a warning: 'if you dare to do X, something bad will happen'. The volitional usage overlaps with 〜ようものなら but is slightly less dramatic.

Emphasizes that something (a person, factor, element) is so essential that any discussion, plan, or outcome is impossible without it. ぬき means 'omission' or 'exclusion'. The pattern literally means 'if we exclude X, then...' and the main clause is almost always negative or expresses impossibility. Often used in formal analysis, criticism, or when acknowledging someone's indispensable contribution. Also appears as 〜をぬきにして is used for statements (without は being contrastive).

Sets a negative condition as the limit for something being true or valid. 'As long as the negative condition is not met, X holds true.' The implication is that once the condition flips (i.e., the negative becomes positive), the state changes. Often used to express firm resolve, rules, or natural limits. The scope of かぎり is the entire preceding negative clause — it's not simply 'unless' but 'within the bounds of not-X'.

Raises a topic or scenario and implies that once that threshold is crossed, the situation changes significantly — usually becoming more difficult, serious, or demanding. Similar to 'when it comes to...' in English, carrying the nuance that this case is special or more consequential. Often followed by expressions of necessity, difficulty, or contrast with the ordinary case. Also used to react to news: 'If it's come to that, then...'.

A dramatic warning pattern: if someone were to do something extreme or inadvisable, the resulting consequence would be severe. The condition clause describes an extreme or worst-case scenario, and the main clause describes a disastrous or severe outcome. Stronger and more literary than the volitional usage of 〜ものなら. Often used in expressions of social norms, rules with severe penalties, or descriptions of volatile situations where one wrong move is catastrophic.

Also appears inHypothetical & Definite Conditions

A dramatic pattern warning that if a certain action is taken, an irreversible and usually negative chain of events will follow. The implication is that the action is a point of no return. 〜たら最後 and 〜が最後 are synonymous and interchangeable. The main clause typically describes a situation that is difficult to stop or escape from once started. Used for addiction, compulsive behavior, or situations where initial actions trigger unstoppable consequences.

A formal, often literary pattern that emphasizes the absolute indispensability of something. なくして is the classical -te form of ない used adverbially, meaning 'without having'. This pattern elevates the noun to an essential prerequisite — something so fundamental that its absence makes achievement or existence impossible. Often used in maxims, speeches, and formal writing. The は adds contrastive emphasis and is frequently included. Similar to 〜をぬきにしては but more abstract and philosophical in tone.

Expresses that if a special person, situation, or reason is involved, the speaker will take action or make an exception — often against their usual inclination. It carries a tone of willing concession or sense of duty: 'Because it's you / Because the situation is special, I'll do it.' Often used with ため, 頼み, or the name of a respected person. The nuance is one of motivated accommodation rather than mere condition-result. More formal and literary than 〜なら.