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    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. 〜ば (已然形)

    〜ば (已然形)

    〜ば (已然形)

    This grammar shows a clear cause and effect. It means 'if A, then B' or 'when A happens, B always follows'.

    KMT9FormalStandardClassical InflectionMixedOlder SpeakersClassicalClassical Conditional FormsGrammar

    Verb [已然形] + ばPrimary
    い-Adjective [已然形] + ば
    な-Adjective [已然形] + ば

    This grammar shows a clear cause and effect. It means 'if A, then B' or 'when A happens, B always follows'.

    窓まどを開あければ、美うつくしい富ふ士じ山さんが見みえた。

    When I opened the window, I could see the beautiful Mt. Fuji.

    FormalPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeNature & EnvironmentTravel & Transportation
    「継けい続ぞくは力ちからなり」と言いうが、思おもえば簡かん単たんなことではない。

    They say 'persistence is strength', but when you think about it, it's not a simple thing.

    FormalNon PastNegativeMid SentenceDeclarativeCore ConceptsEmotions & Psychology
    然しからばわれば、我わ々れはどうすべきか。

    That being the case, what should we do?

    FormalNon PastAffirmativeClause InitialNecessityPolitics & LawCore Concepts
    昔むかしは安やすければ何なんでも買かったものだが、今いまは品ひん質しつを重じゅう視しする。

    In the past, I would buy anything because it was cheap, but now I prioritize quality.

    NeutralPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeDaily LifeBusiness & Finance
    彼かれが来こねば、会かい議ぎをは始じめられない。

    Since he has not come, the meeting cannot be started.

    FormalNon PastNegativeMid SentenceAbilityWork & CareerBusiness & Finance

    This grammar shows you found something new. It is like opening a door and seeing something for the first time. The first action makes you see the second thing.

    This is different from the other "ba" (~ば) form. That one means "if something might happen." This "ba" means "because something did happen." It shows a real cause and effect. It is like saying "since" or "when" something is true.

    Don't use this when you want to ask someone to do something. For example, don't say "If you go, please buy milk."

    Use this when you want to say "if you think about it" or "since that is true". These are set phrases. You will hear them in formal talking and writing.

    Often confused with(1)

    〜ば (未然形)

    This is a way to say "if" in Japanese. You use it for things that might not happen. It is like saying "if this were true".

    Contrasts with(1)

    〜ば (未然形)

    This is a way to say "if" in Japanese. You use it for things that might not happen. It is like saying "if this were true".

    〜ば

    This grammar means 'if'. You use it when something will always happen. Or you can use it to give advice.

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    Related concepts for this entry

    often_confused_with

    • 〜ば (未然形)

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    • 〜ども
    • 〜こそ...已然形

    prerequisite

    • 〜ば

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