The conditional particle と

The conditional particle in Japanese is used to indicate a condition that, when met, leads to a specific result. It often translates to if or when in English.

The structure for using is straightforward. It is attached to the plain form of verbs and sentence-ending adjectives. It is not used directly after formal or polite forms. For example, the part before won't not end in ます or です.

The condition particle is used to indicate a natural outcome or consequence that it not controllable.

The conditional particle can also be used in the past tense to mean when A happened, B happened/was the case.

Note that the subordinate clause (the condition), is always in the non-past tense, even if the main clause is in the past tense.

The particle can also be used to describe habits that contain a condition. In this case, you can use even though you're in control of the outcome.

Finally, the condition particle can be used when giving instructions or directions, but only if the consequence is beyond your control.

The conditional particle cannot be used to form commands, requests, suggestions or invitations, so the following sentence is incorrect.

When you leave the station, please turn right.えきる と、 みぎがって ください。

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