Genki Grammar #128: Mastering -ba

Introduction

The conditional -ba form is a powerful tool in Japanese that helps you express “if A, then B” statements. In this post, we’ll focus on how to form the -ba structure for verbs and briefly touch on other uses. Let’s get started!

What It Means

The -ba form allows you to create conditional sentences, meaning one action (Clause A) leads to a result (Clause B). For example:

• 車があれば、いろいろな所に行けます。
  (Kuruma ga areba, iroirona tokoro ni ikemasu.)
  If you have a car, you can go to various places.

This pattern shows that the condition (Clause A: having a car) ensures the outcome (Clause B: being able to travel).

When to Use It

Use the -ba form when the condition in Clause A guarantees or suggests a positive or desired result in Clause B. This is why -ba is often used for giving advice or discussing logical outcomes.

Examples:

• かぎをかけておけば、どろぼうに入られません。
  (Kagi o kakete okeba, dorobou ni hairaremasen.)
  If you lock the doors and windows, you won’t have your apartment broken into.
• 単語を覚えれば、大丈夫ですよ。
  (Tango o oboereba, daijoubu desu yo.)
  If you memorize the words, you should be good.

The -ba form implies a good result or a logical outcome, making it ideal for advice or positive situations.

Examples

走れば、電車に間に合います。
(Hashireba, densha ni ma ni aimasu.)
If I run, I will be able to catch the train.

However, not all situations fit naturally with -ba. For example:

??歩けば、電車に遅れます。
(Arukeba, densha ni okuremasu.)
If I walk, I will be late for the train.

This sentence sounds odd because -ba usually implies a good or logical outcome. To express a negative result, it’s better to use -tara:

歩いたら、電車に遅れます。
(Aruittara, densha ni okuremasu.)
If I walk, I’ll be late for the train.

Notes

1. Good Result Nuance
   The -ba form generally suggests a positive or logical outcome, which is why it’s often used in advice or recommendations.
   • この薬を飲めば大丈夫です。
     (Kono kusuri o nomeba daijoubu desu.)
     If you take this medicine, you’ll be okay.
2. Embedded Negative Outcomes
   While -ba usually implies a good result, it can be used in sentences with an overt negative result if framed correctly:
   • 歩けば電車に遅れるのはわかっていました。
     (Arukeba densha ni okureru no wa wakatte imashita.)
     I knew that I would be late for the train if I walked.

Conclusion

The -ba form is a versatile tool for creating conditional statements in Japanese, especially when discussing positive outcomes or giving advice. Practice using -ba with different verbs and situations to become comfortable with this useful grammar point.

Recommended Resources

For a deeper understanding of -ba, I recommend Practice Makes Perfect: Complete Japanese Grammar. This book covers conditional forms like -ba in detail, providing clear explanations and practical examples to help you use this grammar naturally in various contexts. If you want to explore this grammar point further and practice applying it, this book is an excellent resource to strengthen your Japanese skills.