JLPT N4 grammar
〜と (conditional) — Meaning & Examples
Automatic / natural result — whenever A, B always follows. Dictionary form + と. 春になると桜が咲く (haru ni naru to sakura ga saku). CANNOT be followed by a command, request, or intention.
〜と — Automatic, Natural Results
Japanese has FOUR ways to say "if/when" — and choosing the right one is one of the biggest N4 milestones. Let's start with the most predictable: と.
〜と expresses an AUTOMATIC result — whenever A happens, B always follows. Think of it like cause-and-effect or a law of nature.
Form: [dictionary / ない plain form] + と
このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。(kono botan o osu to, doa ga hirakimasu.)
= If/when you press this button, the door opens.
春になると、桜が咲きます。(haru ni naru to, sakura ga sakimasu.)
= When spring comes, the cherry blossoms bloom.
まっすぐ行くと、駅があります。(massugu iku to, eki ga arimasu.)
= If you go straight, there's the station.
Key restriction: The result after と must be automatic — you CANNOT follow it with a command, request, intention, or permission.
✗ ボタンを押すと、開けてください。(botan o osu to, akete kudasai.) (wrong)
✓ ボタンを押すと、開きます。(botan o osu to, hirakimasu.) (correct — automatic)
Practise 〜と (conditional) in the free app
This point is part of the “The Four Conditionals — と・ば・たら・なら” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N4 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
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Related N4 grammar points
From the same lesson: The Four Conditionals — と・ば・たら・なら
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜と (conditional) mean?
Automatic / natural result — whenever A, B always follows. Dictionary form + と. 春になると桜が咲く (haru ni naru to sakura ga saku). CANNOT be followed by a command, request, or intention.
Is 〜と (conditional) on the JLPT N4 test?
〜と (conditional) is taught in the JLPT N4 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “The Four Conditionals — と・ば・たら・なら”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜と (conditional)?
Open the “The Four Conditionals — と・ば・たら・なら” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N4 mock exams, with no ads.