Ba-form (Conditional Form)
Learn the formation of the Ba-form and how to use it to express conditions.
Introduction to the Ba-form
The Ba-form is used to express a hypothetical condition. It is commonly translated as 'if' in English. It is formed from verbs.
Ba-form Conjugation
The conjugation rules depend on the word category.
For Group I verbs, change the final vowel of the dictionary form to the e-column sound and add ば.
| Dictionary Form | Ba-form |
|---|---|
買うかう | 買えばかえば |
待つまつ | 待てばまてば |
帰るかえる | 帰ればかえれば |
飲むのむ | 飲めばのめば |
死ぬしぬ | 死ねばしねば |
遊ぶあそぶ | 遊べばあそべば |
書くかく | 書けばかけば |
泳ぐおよぐ | 泳げばおよげば |
話すはなす | 話せばはなせば |
Conjugation Examples
- If you take the medicine, you'll get better.
薬を飲めば、よくなります。
- If you write a letter, you'll be understood.
手紙を書けば、分かってもらえます。
- If you swim in the pool, it feels good.
プールで泳げば、気持ちいいですよ。
- If you speak in Japanese, you'll improve.
日本語で話せば、上達します。
Expressing Conditions
The Ba-form is used when the occurrence of the event in the main clause (Sentence 2) depends on the condition in the conditional clause (Sentence 1).
Note: Generally, Sentence 2 should not express the speaker's will, desire, command, or request, unless Sentence 1's predicate is a state-expressive predicate or the subjects of Sentence 1 and Sentence 2 are different.
Examples
- If you win this tournament, you can participate in the Olympics.
この大会で優勝すれば、オリンピックに出場することができます。
- If you ask Mr. Li, you will understand.
李さんに聞けば、分かりますよ。
- If you practice, you will improve.
練習すれば、上手になります。
- If you go to Japan, you can see Mt. Fuji.
日本へ行けば、富士山が見られます。