Conditional: と

Use と to express that when clause A happens, clause B naturally or automatically follows.

Key Expression

Hiragana	Romaji	English	Type
[clause A] + と + [clause B]	to	when/if A, then B	conditional

Structure

[verb dictionary form] + と, [result]

The verb in clause A must be in the dictionary (plain) form.

Meaning

と expresses a natural consequence or automatic result:

• Something that always happens when A occurs
• Universal truths and facts
• Directions and predictable outcomes

Examples

Natural Consequences

• はるに なると、はなが さきます — When spring comes, the flowers bloom.
  • haru ni naru to, hana ga sakimasu
• みぎに まがると、えきが あります — If you turn right, there's a station.
  • migi ni magaru to, eki ga arimasu
• このボタンを おすと、でんきが つきます — When you press this button, the light turns on.
  • kono botan o osu to, denki ga tsukimasu

Universal Truths

• ふゆに なると、さむくなります — When winter comes, it gets cold.
  • fuyu ni naru to, samuku narimasu
• みずを あたためると、ゆに なります — When you heat water, it becomes hot water.
  • mizu o atatameru to, yu ni narimasu

Directions

• まっすぐ いくと、こうえんが みえます — If you go straight, you'll see the park.
  • massugu iku to, kouen ga miemasu
• このみちを いくと、えきに つきます — If you take this road, you'll reach the station.
  • kono michi o iku to, eki ni tsukimasu

What と Cannot Express

と is for natural/automatic results only. Do not use it when clause B expresses:

• Volition or intention (use たら or ば instead)
• Requests or commands
• Suggestions

Incorrect	Correct	English
❌ えきに つくと、でんわして —	✅ えきに ついたら、でんわして —	When you arrive at the station, call me
❌ にほんに いくと、すしを たべよう —	✅ にほんに いったら、すしを たべよう —	When I go to Japan, let's eat sushi

Next Steps

Once you're comfortable with this lesson, check out:

Conjunctions

Learn how to list items using と and や

→

Expressing Reason

Learn how to express reasons using ので and から

→