GRAMMAR DETAIL
～たら
Presents a result after a particular condition is met, or a fact discovered after an action is completed.
Examples
駅に着いたら、電話してください。
Please call me when you arrive at the station.
Words used
窓を開けたら、涼しい風が入ってきました。
When I opened the window, a cool breeze came in.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
らto a verb'sたform to present what follows once a condition is met. - Basic usage:
駅に着いたら、電話してください。asks for a call after arrival.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Form and actual time
- Although
着いたらcontains theたform, it can refer to a future arrival. The following clause and time context determine whether the event actually occurred in the past.
- Although
- A hypothetical condition and an actual discovery
窓を開けたら風が入ってきたreports what happened after a window was actually opened. Distinguish this from a condition not yet met, as in雨が降ったら中止する.