〜たら
if / when ~
Show what happens when a condition is met.
Remember it
Think “if this, then that” and bridge them with 〜たら.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜たら」 means "if / when ~". Structure: Verb ta-form + ら. 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
At work
Example 1会議が終わったら、帰ります。
かいぎ が おわったら、かえります。
kaigi ga owattara, kaerimasu.
When the meeting ends, I will go home.
At home
Example 2紹介が終わったら、帰ります。
しょうかい が おわったら、かえります。
shoukai ga owattara, kaerimasu.
When the introduction ends, I will go home.
At home
Example 3経験が終わったら、帰ります。
けいけん が おわったら、かえります。
keiken ga owattara, kaerimasu.
When the experience ends, I will go home.
At home
Example 4翻訳が終わったら、帰ります。
ほんやく が おわったら、かえります。
hon'yaku ga owattara, kaerimasu.
When the translation ends, I will go home.
At home
Example 5給料が終わったら、帰ります。
きゅうりょう が おわったら、かえります。
kyuuryou ga owattara, kaerimasu.
When the salary ends, I will go home.
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
When the meeting ends, I will go home.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜たら.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.