Meaning
〜たら expresses a hypothetical or conditional situation. It indicates that if condition A happens (or were to happen), then result B would occur. The structure uses the past tense form (た-form) of verbs, i-adjectives, na-adjectives, and nouns, followed by ら. Unlike 〜と which indicates an inevitable consequence, 〜たら describes a possible or likely outcome that isn't necessarily guaranteed.
Formation
Examples
-
雨が降ったら、遊園地に行きません。
If it rains, we won't go to the amusement park. -
このパソコンはもっと安かったら、買います。
If this computer were cheaper, I would buy it. -
暇だったら、家で一緒にゲームをやろうか。
If you're free, shall we play video games together at home?
Summary
- Forms: Verb/Adj/Noun (past form) + ら = hypothetical conditional
- Expresses possible outcomes, not inevitable consequences like 〜と does
- Common in everyday Japanese for discussing situations, decisions, and suggestions