〜と (conditional)
whenever / if ~
Show what happens when a condition is met.
Remember it
Think “if this, then that” and bridge them with 〜と (conditional).
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜と (conditional)」 means "whenever / if ~". Structure: Verb dictionary + と. 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このボタンを押すと、準備が始まります。
この ぼたん を おすと、じゅんび が はじまります。
kono botan o osuto, junbi ga hajimarimasu.
When you press this button, the preparation starts.
Everyday life
Example 2このボタンを押すと、到着が始まります。
この ぼたん を おすと、とうちゃく が はじまります。
kono botan o osuto, touchaku ga hajimarimasu.
When you press this button, the arrival starts.
At school
Example 3このボタンを押すと、入学が始まります。
この ぼたん を おすと、にゅうがく が はじまります。
kono botan o osuto, nyuugaku ga hajimarimasu.
When you press this button, the school admission starts.
Everyday life
Example 4このボタンを押すと、運転が始まります。
この ぼたん を おすと、うんてん が はじまります。
kono botan o osuto, unten ga hajimarimasu.
When you press this button, the driving starts.
Shopping & services
Example 5このボタンを押すと、注文が始まります。
この ぼたん を おすと、ちゅうもん が はじまります。
kono botan o osuto, chuumon ga hajimarimasu.
When you press this button, the order (goods) starts.
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 you press this button, the preparation starts.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜と (conditional).
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.