Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 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 4
Core idea
Form the conditional for verbs and adjectives.
Start with the example
、。
If I have time, I will help.
sounds general and hypothetical here.
Notice the variation
、。
If it is cheap, I will buy it.
-adjective + is the standard conditional form.
More detail: how to apply this
The conditional means 'if' and often sounds more formal or general than .
It is common in advice, logical statements, and written explanation.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Keep the condition attached to the conclusion instead of turning a conditional judgment into an unconditional fact.
frames the judgment as the speaker’s thought. Both conditionality and uncertainty remain in the full sentence.
、。
If it's close, I think I can go every day.
Keep the condition attached to the conclusion instead of turning a conditional judgment into an unconditional fact.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If I have time, I will help.
sounds general and hypothetical here.
Vocabulary notes
- 手伝います
- will help
Compare in context
、。
If it is cheap, I will buy it.
-adjective + is the standard conditional form.
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
、。
If you practice more, you will improve.
Practice plus result is a classic pattern.
Notice the variation
、。
If we don't go early, there may be no seats left.
is the negative conditional of .
More detail: how to apply this
For verbs: →, →, →, →.
For -adjectives: →.
Negative verb conditions become , , and so on.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If you practice more, you will improve.
Practice plus result is a classic pattern.
、。
If you practice more, you will improve.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If you practice more, you will improve.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If you practice more, you will improve.
Practice plus result is a classic pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- もっと
- more
- 上手に
- well; skillfully
Preview
、。
If we don't go early, there may be no seats left.
is the negative conditional of .
Vocabulary notes
- なくなる
- to cease to be; to no longer exist
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Keep the condition attached to the conclusion instead of turning a conditional judgment into an unconditional fact.
Reading and nuance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
sets closeness as the condition. It does not independently confirm that the place is close.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
can lead into a request when the condition describes a state, as in 、 or 、.
With a deliberate action followed by a request to the same actor, is often more natural: 、.
Do not choose simply because the English uses if.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If you don't understand, please ask the teacher.
is a state of not understanding, so the request after this condition is natural. This does not mean every action-plus- clause can take a request.
、。
If you don't understand, please ask the teacher.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If you don't understand, please ask the teacher.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
If you don't understand, please ask the teacher.
is a state of not understanding, so the request after this condition is natural. This does not mean every action-plus- clause can take a request.
Preview
、。
If it's close, I think I can go every day.
The speaker is making a general judgment, not talking about one specific event.
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
attaches to the adjective's conditional form;
puts negation within the condition.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
attaches to the adjective's conditional form; puts negation within the condition.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Buy if cheap / don't buy if not cheap
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.