〜ば

Formationshift the last sound to the え row + ば

ば sets out a condition and its natural result, and it feels the most general of the four ways Japanese says if. It suits proverbs, rules of thumb and advice about what would happen. It resists commands and requests in the second half, which is the main thing that limits it.

Examples

〜ば is marked in each sentence. Tap any word for its dictionary entry.

1. ブレーカー上あげてくればいいの。早はやく！

   You just need to reset the breaker. Hurry up!

2. 走はしりさえすれば、どんな車くるまでもよいのです。

   Any car will do, as long as it runs.

3. どのゲートから乗のればよいのでしょうか。

   What gate do I board at?

4. いいかえれば、彼かれはなまけものだ。

   In other words, he is lazy.

5. うまくいけば一いち日にちに２、３ピース作つくれる。

   I can produce several pieces a day if I'm lucky.