Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Core idea
〜たら is a flexible conditional that can mean 'if' or 'when.' It often implies that the first event happens before the second event.
Target signal
時間があったら、映画を見ます。
If I have time, I will watch a movie.
〜たら can introduce a future condition.
Vocabulary notes
- たら
- if; when
- ます
- polite verb ending
- 時間
- time; hour(s)
Compare in context
駅に着いたら、電話してください。
When you arrive at the station, please call me.
Requests after the condition is met are very natural with 〜たら.
Vocabulary notes
- 話してください
- please speak
- てください
- please do ...
- ください
- please give; please do
Section 2 of 3
Formation and patterns
Make 〜たら from the past plain form: 行ったら, 食べたら, 高かったら, 静かだったら. It can be used with requests, advice, and plans.
Target signal
安かったら、そのシャツを買いたいです。
If it's cheap, I want to buy that shirt.
Adjectives also form 〜たら from the plain past: 安かったら.
Vocabulary notes
- シャツ
- shirt
- たい
- want to do
- たら
- if; when
Preview
暇だったら、手伝ってくれませんか。
If you're free, could you help me?
な-adjective past form + たら becomes だったら.
Vocabulary notes
- ませんか
- won't you ...?; shall we ...?
- だった
- was; were
- ません
- polite negative verb ending
Section 3 of 3
Reading and nuance
In stories and diary writing, 〜たら can also mean 'when I did X, I found Y.' In that use, the second clause may describe discovery or surprise.
Target signal
ドアを開けたら、猫が外にいました。
When I opened the door, a cat was outside.
This is the discovery use: X happened, and then the speaker found Y.
Vocabulary notes
- いました
- there was; there were (living things)
- たら
- if; when
- いま
- now
Preview
家に帰ったら、だれもいなかった。
When I got home, nobody was there.
Writers often use 〜たら for surprising discoveries in stories.
Vocabulary notes
- だれも
- anyone; no one (with a negative verb)
- たら
- if; when
- だれ
- who; anyone