Conditionals
Japanese has four ways to say "if" (and "when"). They overlap a lot, but each has a home: と for what always follows, ば for general conditions, たら for one event at a time, なら for reacting to what someone said.
と: whenever A, B follows
Natural consequences, instructions, habits. The second half cannot be a request, a wish or an order.
春になると、桜が咲く。
Reading: はるになると、さくらがさく。
When spring comes, the cherry trees bloom.
このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。
Reading: このボタンをおすと、ドアがあきます。
If you press this button, the door opens.
ば: if, in general
The classic hypothetical. Verb stem + ば (行けば), い-adjective + ければ (安ければ). Good for advice and general truths; a touch stiff in casual chat.
安ければ、買います。
Reading: やすければ、かいます。
If it is cheap, I'll buy it.
急げば間に合う。
Reading: いそげばまにあう。
If you hurry, you'll make it.
たら: if, or when, one event at a time
The most common in speech. Past form + ら. It covers "if" and "when, after": the first thing finishes, then the second happens. The second half can be anything, including a request or a surprise.
雨が降ったら、行かない。
Reading: あめがふったら、いかない。
If it rains, I won't go.
家に帰ったら、電話して。
Reading: いえにかえったら、でんわして。
When you get home, call me.
窓を開けたら、海が見えた。
Reading: まどをあけたら、うみがみえた。
When I opened the window, I could see the sea. (A discovery.)
なら: if that is the case
Picks up something just said or assumed and responds to it. Noun or plain form + なら. It does not say the condition happens first: 行くなら is "if you are going at all", not "after you go".
日本に行くなら、京都がいいよ。
Reading: にほんにいくなら、きょうとがいいよ。
If you are going to Japan, Kyoto is a good choice.
寿司なら、あの店が一番だ。
Reading: すしなら、あのみせがいちばんだ。
If it is sushi you want, that place is the best.
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