ば
If / When (Conditional)
ba
TypeConjunctive
JLPT Leveln4
Summary
Expresses a conditional 'if/when' where the result follows naturally. The most standard conditional form.
Usage Rules
- •Natural conditional: if A happens, then B naturally follows
- •Used with verbs (eba/れば), い-adj (ければ), な-adj/ noun (であれば)
- •Hypothetical situations
- •Proverbs and general truths
- •Can imply 'as long as'
- •ばいい: it would be good if (suggestion)
Example Sentences
雨がふればしあいはちゅうしだ。
If it rains, the game will be cancelled.
はるになればさくらがさく。
When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom.
やすければかいます。
If it's cheap, I'll buy it.
読めばわかる。
If you read it, you'll understand.
どうすればいいですか？
What should I do?
Common Mistake
Using ば to express one's will or request in the main clause when the main clause is about the same subject's volition.