N5 · Structured courses

Conditional To: When/If... Then

Learn と for natural consequences, habitual results, and certain conditions. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn と for natural consequences, habitual results, and certain conditions.
  • Form and connection: [Verb辞书形/なi-adjective] と、[Result]
  • Nuance in real use: Conditional と is the linguistic version of natural law — it doesn't express hypothesis or wish, but how the world operates.

Form and connection

[Verb辞书形/なi-adjective] と、[Result]

Core Explanation

Learn と for natural consequences, habitual results, and certain conditions.

Cultural Note

Conditional と is the linguistic version of natural law — it doesn't express hypothesis or wish, but how the world operates.

Practical examples

When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom.
When you press this button, the light turns on.
I always wash my hands when I get home.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Verb辞书形/なi-adjective] と、[Result]
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerWhen spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer家いえに帰かえると、必かならず手てを洗あらいます。 ([Verb辞书形/なi-adjective] と、[Result])

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