if (hypothetical condition)

The ば form states a hypothetical condition: u-verbs change the final sound to the e-row plus ば (行けば), ru-verbs use れば (食べれば), and i-adjectives use ければ (安ければ). It focuses on the condition needed for the result. It is common in advice and general statements.

Examples

• 安やすければ、買かいます。

  Yasukereba, kaimasu.

  If it is cheap, I will buy it.

• 急いそげば、間まに合あいますよ。

  Isogeba, ma ni aimasu yo.

  If you hurry, you will make it in time.

Vocabulary in these examples

• 安い cheap
• 買う to buy
• 急ぐ to hurry
• 間に合う to be in time

Related patterns · Conditionals

• 〜と（条件） if, when, whenever (natural result)
• 〜たら if, when, after
• 〜なら if that is the case, if you are talking about