ば - if ~ (conditional)

〜ば

Meaning

A more formal conditional, often used for general truths and advice.

Explanation

Formed by changing a verb's final u-sound to its e-sound equivalent and adding ば (for い-adjectives, drop い and add ければ), this conditional focuses purely on the logical relationship between the two clauses - it reads a little more formal or written than たら, and is common in set expressions and general advice.

Formation

Verb (え-row + ば) / い-adjective (drop い + ければ)

Examples

急げば、間に合います。
いそげば、まにあいます。
If you hurry, you'll make it in time.
安ければ買います。
やすければかいます。
If it's cheap, I'll buy it.

Grammar explanations and example sentences written for NihongoTech.