Conditional Form: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (ba-form)
• verb (nai-form without ない)+なければ
• い-adjective stem (without い)+ければ
• な-adjective (stem)/noun+なら（ば）

How it is used

The ば-form means “if”, focusing on the condition; it suits general rules and advice (「〜ばいい」). When the if-clause has an action verb, the main clause usually cannot be a request, order or intention; use 「〜たら」 then.

Examples

1. 外国人が日本で運転したければ国際免許が必要だ。

   If foreigners want to drive in Japan, an international driver's license is needed.

2. 春になれば、桜が咲きます。

   When spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.

3. 分からなければ、先生に聞けばいいですよ。

   If you don't understand, you can just ask the teacher.