JLPT N4 grammar comparison
〜と (conditional) "when / whenever / if" vs 〜なら (conditional) "if it's the case that / as for"
By Nihongo PathUpdated
The difference
From the 〜なら (conditional) "if it's the case that / as for" lesson
〜と (conditional) "when / whenever / if": と is for automatic results and cannot give advice. なら is exactly for advice and reactions.
Side by side
〜と (conditional) "when / whenever / if"
to (jouken) · JLPT N4
- Meaning
- Natural, automatic or inevitable results: "whenever A happens, B happens". Also for discoveries (〜と、〜があった).
- Formation
V-dictionary + と / V-ない + と: 押すと, 行かないとい-adjective + と: 高いとな-adjective + だと / Noun + だと: 静かだと, 雨だとMain clause: a natural result or a discovery (past), never a request, command, invitation or intention
このボタンを押すと、お湯が出ます。
この ボタンを おすと、おゆが でます。
When you press this button, hot water comes out.
春になると、桜が咲きます。
はるに なると、さくらが さきます。
When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom.
〜なら (conditional) "if it's the case that / as for"
nara (jouken) · JLPT N4
- Meaning
- Takes up what the listener said or a topic and gives advice or a reaction: "if (you say) X, then…"
- Formation
Noun + なら: 北海道なら, 田中さんならな-adjective + なら: 静かなら, 好きならVerb plain form + (の)なら: 行くなら, 行かないなら, 行ったならい-adjective + (の)なら: 高いならMain clause: advice, opinion, request, decision; may precede the condition in time
日本語を勉強するなら、この本がいいですよ。
にほんごを べんきょうするなら、この ほんが いいですよ。
If you're going to study Japanese, this book is good.
北海道なら、冬が一番きれいです。
ほっかいどうなら、ふゆが いちばん きれいです。
If it's Hokkaido, winter is the most beautiful.
Full lesson on 〜なら (conditional) "if it's the case that / as for"
Frequently asked questions
When do you use 〜なら (conditional) "if it's the case that / as for" instead of 〜と (conditional) "when / whenever / if"?
と is for automatic results and cannot give advice. なら is exactly for advice and reactions.