Ashita harereba, kouen ni ikimashou
In this lesson you learn subjunctive forms for verbs, adjectives and noun.
“…ba”
The particle “…ba” is used in Japanese to create general subjunctive expressions, which often translate to “if” in English. It indicates that if one condition is met, another condition will follow. This structure is commonly used to express hypothetical situations or conditions and their results.
The structure of “…ba” sentences
In a “…ba” sentence, one action or condition precedes another. The basic structure is as follows:
- Conditional Clause (If…): The verb or adjective in this clause is conjugated with “…ba”.
- Result Clause (Then…): The second action or condition that follows as a result of the first.
Forming “…ba” Sentences
Verb
kak + eba
tabe + reba (taber + eba)
kakanai >>> kakanakereba
tabenai >>> tabenakereba
Remove u-sound from the verbs and put “eba”. For negative form, it is similar to that of i-adjective.
i-adjective
Remove “i” and put “kereba”.
yasashii >>> yasashikereba
tsuyoi >>> tsuyokereba
Noun and noun-adjective
“…ba” form is not used to nouns and noun-adjectives. Instead, “…ra” shown below is used.
“…ra”
This form is based on the premise that the first action is completed.
The following sentence is the result of the first action which is completed or will be completed.
After completing the first actions which are away from now, then the second thing happens.
The first actions which are away from now are both in the past and in the future. This is the order of actions relating to subjunctive form.
Verb
kaita + ra
tabeta + ra
Put “ra” after ta-form (past form)
i-adjective
ii >>> yokatta >>> yokattara
ookii >>> ookikatta >>> ookikattara
Put “ra” after ta-form (past form)
Noun and noun-adjective
gakusei >>> gakuseidatta >>> gakuseidattara
gyuunyuu >>> gyuunyuudatta >>> gyuunyuudattara
Put “ra” after ta-form (past form)
Difference between “…ba” and “…ra”
“…ra” is more focused on the order of actions.
As ta-form is used, the first action must be completed, when the second action starts.
After the first action is finished, the second action happens. This is a much more conditional expression.
Meanwhile, “…ba” is used with present forms of verbs and adjectives. So, this is just the natural order of actions.
“…ra” is recommended to use if you feel confused.
Expression
Ashita harereba, kouen e ikimashou.
Ashita haretara, kouen e ikimashou.
Massugu ikeba, eki ni tsukimasu.
Massugu ittara, eki ni tsukimasu.