〜ば
if ~ (conditional)
Show what happens when a condition is met.
Remember it
Think “if this, then that” and bridge them with 〜ば.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ば」 means "if ~ (conditional)". Structure: Verb ba-form. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Keep the condition and its result clear; the order matters more than a literal translation.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1故障があれば、便利です。
こしょう が あれば、べんり です。
koshou ga areba, benri desu.
If there is a breakdown, it is convenient.
Everyday life
Example 2お釣りがあれば、便利です。
おつり が あれば、べんり です。
otsuri ga areba, benri desu.
If there is a change (money), it is convenient.
Everyday life
Example 3畳があれば、便利です。
たたみ が あれば、べんり です。
tatami ga areba, benri desu.
If there is a tatami mat, it is convenient.
Everyday life
Example 4紙があれば、便利です。
かみ が あれば、べんり です。
kami ga areba, benri desu.
If there is a paper, it is convenient.
Everyday life
Example 5草があれば、便利です。
くさ が あれば、べんり です。
kusa ga areba, benri desu.
If there is a grass, it is convenient.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
If there is a breakdown, it is convenient.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ば.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.