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N4

Natural Consequences with と

About 8 minutes · written and reviewed by Haruki Yamamoto

Section 1 of 3

Core idea

The conditional と is used when the second part happens automatically, regularly, or as a natural consequence whenever the first part occurs.

  1. Target signal

    春になると、桜が咲きます。

    When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom.

    Seasonal change leads automatically to the result.

    Vocabulary notes
    になる〜になる
    to become
    なる
    to become
    ます
    polite verb ending

  2. Compare in context

    このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。

    If you press this button, the door opens.

    Machine-like or system-like results fit と well.

    Vocabulary notes
    ボタン
    button
    この
    this
    ドア
    door

Section 2 of 3

Formation and patterns

Use the plain non-past form + と. It is common for instructions, systems, weather patterns, and repeated daily sequences.

  1. Target signal

    右へ曲がると、銀行があります。

    If you turn right, there is a bank.

    Route directions often use と for predictable outcomes.

    Vocabulary notes
    あります
    there is; there are
    曲がるまがる
    to turn; to bend
    ます
    polite verb ending

  2. Preview

    夜になると、町は静かになります。

    When night comes, the town becomes quiet.

    Repeated time patterns sound natural with と.

    Vocabulary notes
    になる〜になる
    to become
    静かにしずかに
    quietly
    なる
    to become

Section 3 of 3

Reading and nuance

Because と sounds automatic or general, it is usually not the best choice before commands, requests, or the speaker's deliberate decision.

  1. Target signal

    この薬を飲むと、眠くなります。

    If you take this medicine, you get sleepy.

    This is a regular effect, not a personal decision.

    Vocabulary notes
    この
    this
    ます
    polite verb ending
    飲むのむ
    to drink

  2. Preview

    窓を開けると、冷たい風が入ってきた。

    When I opened the window, cold wind came in.

    In narrative writing, と can also mark an immediate observed result.

    Vocabulary notes
    入ってはいって
    entering; getting in
    冷たいつめたい
    cold
    開けるあける
    to open

Reading in context

Read for meaning before checking the answer

Before you read

Read once for the situation. Then notice how Natural Consequences with と changes the meaning before you check the translation.

春になると、桜が咲きます。 このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。 右へ曲がると、銀行があります。 夜になると、町は静かになります。 この薬を飲むと、眠くなります。 窓を開けると、冷たい風が入ってきた。

Show English translation

When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom. If you press this button, the door opens. If you turn right, there is a bank. When night comes, the town becomes quiet. If you take this medicine, you get sleepy. When I opened the window, cold wind came in.

Contextual questions

Answer from the passage before you reveal each explanation.

  1. What is the first reading job for this passage?

    • Identify the situation and how Natural Consequences with と changes it.
    • Translate every word before using context.
    • Ignore the ending because only vocabulary matters.
    • Choose an answer before reading the full passage.
    Check the answer

    Identify the situation and how Natural Consequences with と changes it.

    The goal is to use the situation first, then confirm the role of Natural Consequences with と in context.

Guided practice

Apply the lesson in a few different ways

Work through each prompt, then check the explanation before moving on.

Activity 1 of 4Choose the best context

Which sentence shows a natural consequence with と?

Activity 2 of 4Fill the blank

Complete the chunk that carries the lesson meaning (Natural Consequences with と).

春＿＿＿と、桜が咲きます。

Activity 3 of 4Put it in order

Put these related examples back into the order used in the lesson.

  1. 1このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。
  2. 2右へ曲がると、銀行があります。
  3. 3春になると、桜が咲きます。
Activity 4 of 4Infer from the passage

What should guide your interpretation of Natural Consequences with と in the mini-reading?

Mastery check 1/3

Which sentence shows a natural consequence with と?