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In this lesson, you will learn another use of the Japanese grammar ～たら (tara).
Your classmate asks you about your plans after class. You are thinking of going to a cafe after class ends. What would you say in Japanese?
In such a case, you could say: "授業が終わったら、カフェへ行きます （じゅぎょうがおわったら、カフェへいきます）。"
Meaning of ～たら② (Definite Condition)
～たら② is used to describe a definite condition.
It means that when A happens (which is certain to occur), B will naturally follow.
The speaker considers the first action or event to be certain or already decided.
授業が終わったら、カフェへ行きます。
After class ends, I will go to a cafe.
In this sentence, “the class ending” is a future event that the speaker believes will definitely happen.
Key Difference from ～たら① (Hypothetical Condition)
Compare the following example:
雨が降ったら、映画を見に行きませんか。
If it rains, why don't we go see a movie?
Here, whether it will rain or not is uncertain. The speaker is making a suggestion based on a possibility.
That is why this usage is called ～たら① (Hypothetical Condition).
In contrast, ～たら② is used when the condition is considered certain.
👉 You can review ～たら①– If / Conditional here:
Form of ～たら②
The form of ～たら② is:
Verb (past plain form) + ら
終わります → 終わったら
帰ります → 帰ったら
⚠️ This usage is mainly used with affirmative verb forms.
Examples of ～たら②
1. 山本さんが来たら、教えてください。
Please let me know when Mr. Yamamoto arrives.
2. 10時になったら、出発しましょう。
Let's leave when it becomes 10 o’clock.
3. 家に帰ったら、すぐシャワーを浴びます。
I take a shower as soon as I get home.
4. 食べ終わったら、皿を洗ってください。
Please wash the dishes after you finish eating.
5. 仕事が終わったら、飲みに行きませんか。
Would you like to go for a drink after work?
6. 駅に着いたら、連絡します。
I’ll contact you when I arrive at the station.
7. 朝起きたら、まずコーヒーを飲みます。
When I wake up in the morning, I drink coffee first.
8. 次の電車が来たら、乗りましょう。
When the next train comes, let’s get on it.
9. 旅行から帰ったら、友達にお土産をあげます。
When I return from the trip, I’ll give my friends souvenirs.
10. 準備ができたら、知らせてください。
Please let me know when you are ready.
Comparison: ～たら① vs ～たら②
| ～たら① (Hypothetical Condition) |
～たら② (Definite Condition) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Condition | Uncertain / possible situation | Certain or expected situation |
| Usage | Suggestions, invitations, ideas | Plans, natural sequence of actions |
| Example | 雨が降ったら、映画を見に行きませんか。 | 授業が終わったら、カフェへ行きます。 |
Suggested Study Material
Minna no Nihongo I (Main Textbook)
This grammar point appears in Minna no Nihongo(Lesson25), one of the most widely used beginner textbooks for Japanese learners.
Check textbook detailsThe main textbook is written mostly in Japanese, so many learners also use the Translation & Grammar Notes together.
Minna no Nihongo I – Translation & Grammar Notes (English)
Check translation & grammar book※Minna no Nihongo is available worldwide on Amazon. If the link does not work in your country, you can search the title on your local Amazon store.
Speaking Practice
Practice Japanese on italki
If you want to practice this grammar in real conversation, learning with a tutor can help you improve faster. Many learners find that regular speaking practice is the fastest way to become confident in Japanese.
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