JLPT N4 grammar

〜たらmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. If A
  2. When A; after A (then B)
  3. When A, then B
  4. How about A; why don't you A

How to form it

  • verb (ta-form)ら
  • い-adjective stem (without い)かったら
  • な-adjective (stem)/nounだったら
  • verb (ta-form)らどう？

How it is used

Covers both 'if A' and 'when/after A', and the main clause can be a request or intention. 「〜たらどう？」 makes a suggestion. Unlike 「なら」, B happens only after A is realized.

Examples

  1. 私だったら、 ご飯だけおごってもらって、 後はさっさと帰るよ。

    If it was me, I would accept just the meal then hurry on home afterwards.

  2. 駅に着いたら、電話してください。

    Please call me when you get to the station.

  3. 分からないときは、先生に聞いてみたらどう？

    When you don't understand, why not try asking the teacher?