JLPT N1 grammar

〜たら〜たでmeaning and usage

Meaning

If/once A happens, B follows in that situation or in its own way

How to form it

  • verb (ta-form)らverb (ta-form)で
  • verb (ba-form)verb (ta-form)で
  • い-adjective stem (without い)かったらい-adjective stem (without い)かったで
  • noun/な-adjective (stem)ならnoun/な-adjective (stem)で

How it is used

Repeats one word: once A happens, A brings its own problems, merits or consequences, often against expectations. Mostly spoken; 「〜ば〜たで」 is a variant.

Examples

  1. 旅行は乗り気じゃなかったけど、行ったら行ったで楽しかった。

    I wasn't interested in a trip, but after going I had fun.

  2. お金はなければ困るけど、あったらあったで心配事が増える。

    Having no money is a problem, but having it brings worries of its own.

  3. 部屋が広いのはいいけど、広かったら広かったで掃除が大変だ。

    A big room is nice, but a big room brings its own trouble: it's hard work to clean.

About the example 1. If/when A happens, that situation has its own merits, problems, or consequences.