比較 · JLPT N4
たら vs ば vs と vs なら
tara vs ba vs to vs nara
たら is the all-purpose if or when; ば focuses on the condition needed; と is for automatic results and facts; なら responds to a topic or plan with advice.
The four Japanese conditionals side by side: when each one is natural, which can take a request, and a quick check.
Side by side
| たら | ば | と | なら | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core idea | If / once | If (the condition needed) | Whenever (always follows) | If that is the case |
| Request or wish after | Yes | Only after states | No | Yes |
| Past discovery | Yes: 開けたら雪だった | No | Yes | No |
| Typical use | Everyday plans | Advice, proverbs | Machines, nature, directions | Advice about a topic |
| Order | A, then B | A, then B | A, then B | B can come first |
When in doubt, たら
たら works in the most situations, including requests: 「駅に着いたら、電話してください」. If you are unsure, it is the safest choice.
The special cases
と is for things that always happen: 「春になると、花が咲く」, 「このボタンを押すと、水が出る」. It cannot be followed by a request.
なら picks up something just said, and the advice can apply before it happens: 「京都に行くなら、新幹線が便利だよ」.
ば stresses what it takes: 「練習すれば、上手になる」. 〜ばよかった means I should have.
Side-by-side examples
Tap a kanji for its reading.
- 駅に着いたら、電話してください。Call me when you get to the station.たら with a request.
- このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。Press this button and the door opens.と: automatic result.
- 安ければ、買います。If it's cheap, I'll buy it.ば: the condition needed.
- 日本に行くなら、春がいいですよ。If you're going to Japan, spring is good.なら: advice about a plan.
Quick check
- 家に帰っ（ ）、手紙が届いていた。
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たら · A past discovery takes たら (or と). - 「パソコンを買いたいんです。」「パソコン（ ）、あの店が安いよ。」
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なら · Responding to a topic someone raised. - 冬になる（ ）、寒くなる。
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と · A natural, automatic result.