Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
A。すると B。(~suruto)

A。すると B。(~suruto)

Short explanation:

Indicates that when action A is done, action or event B follows; 'then', 'when', 'if'.

Formation:

A (Sentence) + すると + B (Sentence)

Examples:

電話をかけると、彼女が出ました。
Denwa wo kakeru to, kanojo ga demashita.
When I made the phone call, she answered.
このボタンを押すと、ドアが開きます。
Kono botan wo osu to, doa ga hirakimasu.
If you press this button, the door will open.
コンビニに行くと、たまたま友達に会いました。
Konbini ni iku to, tamatama tomodachi ni aimashita.
When I went to the convenience store, I happened to meet my friend.
彼が家を出ると、すぐに雨が降り始めました。
Kare ga ie wo deru to, sugu ni ame ga furihajimemashita.
As soon as he left the house, it started to rain.

Long explanation:

The A。すると B。grammar point is used to express that when action A is done or takes place, action or event B follows. It can be translated as 'then', 'when', or 'if' in English. It is used to show a natural consequence or result of action A.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: A。すると B。(~suruto)

Japanese Grammar Point: A。すると B。(~suruto)

A。すると B。 Grammar Point (~suruto)

1. Introduction

The structure A。すると B。 is commonly used in Japanese to indicate that when action A occurs, action B follows as a result. It expresses a causal or sequential relationship between two events.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

する (suru) means "to do," and (to) is a particle used to indicate a condition or result. When combined, する (suru) with creates a conditional sentence that translates to "when A happens, B happens."

  • Meaning: If A happens, then B happens.
  • Structure:
    • A: The condition or action that triggers another event.
    • すると: Connecting the two actions.
    • B: The resultant action or event.

Formation Diagram

A (Condition Action) + すると + B (Result Action)

3. Comparative Analysis

The grammar point すると can be compared to other conditional phrases such as ~ば (ba), ~たら (tara), and ~場合は (baai wa). Here are some differences: | Grammar Point | Usage | Examples | |---------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------| | する (suruto) | Indicates a direct result or sequence| 日本に行く。すると、友達に会う。
(I go to Japan. Then, I meet my friend.)| | ば (ba) | Shows a hypothetical or general condition | 雨が降れば、行きません。
(If it rains, I won't go.)| | たら (tara) | Similar to ~ba, but emphasizes completion | 終わったら、遊びに行く。
(When I finish, I will go play.)| | 場合は (baai wa) | Indicates a specific circumstance or case | 都合が悪い場合は変更します。
(In case of inconvenience, I will change it.)|

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. Formal:

    • 日本に到着すると、すぐに連絡します。
    • Nihon ni touchaku suruto, sugu ni renraku shimasu.
    • (When I arrive in Japan, I will contact you right away.)
  2. Informal:

    • 宿題を終えると、遊びに行こう!
    • Shukudai o oeru to, asobi ni ikou!
    • (When I finish my homework, let's go play!)
  3. Written:

    • 彼は仕事を終えると、すぐに家に帰った。
    • Kare wa shigoto o oeru to, sugu ni ie ni kaetta.
    • (He went home right after finishing work.)
  4. Spoken:

    • 朝ごはんを食べると、元気になるよ。
    • Asagohan o taberu to, genki ni naru yo.
    • (When you eat breakfast, you will feel energetic.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of すると can reflect the Japanese cultural emphasis on cause and effect relationships in daily conversation. Understanding the sequence of actions is important, especially in formal or business contexts where clarity is essential.

Levels of Politeness

Using すると is neutral in politeness and can be adapted to formal or casual conversations depending on the verbs surrounding it.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 「帰るときに電話する。」
    (I will call you when I am leaving.)
    • This reflects the understanding of time and sequence commonly utilized in Japanese culture.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  1. Incorrect Verb Forms: Learners often forget to use the correct verb form before すると; ensure that A is correctly conjugated.
    • Incorrect: 本を読む、すると眠くなる。
    • Correct: 本を読むと、眠くなる。
  2. Applying to Non-Sequential Events: Using すると in situations where events do not follow sequentially.
    • Be aware that すると should only be used where a clear sequence exists.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of すると as "Then" in English. This helps in visually remembering its sequential nature.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • すると signifies a direct sequential relationship between two actions.
  • It is commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese.
  • Ensure the proper verb form is used in conjunction with this grammar.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Translate and identify the structure: 雨が降る。すると、試合が中止になる。
    • Answer: If it rains, the game gets canceled.
  2. Fill in the blank: 家に着くと、______。
    • Example Answer: 友達が待っている。 (My friend is waiting.)
  3. Choose the correct form: もう食べたら、 ______。
    • a) すると遊びます
    • b) すると遊びに行く
    • Correct answer: b) すると遊びに行く

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