To Conditional (~to)
〜と
The ~と conditional expresses natural, automatic, or habitual results — 'whenever X, Y always happens.'
Pattern
Verb (dictionary form) + と | Verb (ない form) + と | i-adj + と | na-adj + だと | Noun + だと
Explanation
The ~と conditional is used when one action or state naturally and automatically leads to another. It expresses inevitable results, natural laws, habitual sequences, and instructions. The result is not a matter of choice — it happens automatically.
The verb before と must be in the plain non-past form (dictionary or ない form). A key restriction: the result clause cannot contain volitional expressions (commands, requests, invitations, intentions). You cannot say ボタンを押すと来てください — use ~たら or ~ば instead.
~と is perfect for giving directions (まっすぐ行くと右に見えます — go straight and you'll see it on the right), describing natural phenomena (春になると桜が咲く — when spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom), and explaining how machines or systems work.
Examples
春になると花が咲く。
はるになるとはながさく。
haru ni naru to hana ga saku.
When spring comes, flowers bloom.
このボタンを押すとドアが開きます。
このぼたんをおすとどあがあきます。
kono botan wo osu to doa ga akimasu.
If you press this button, the door opens.
右に曲がると駅が見えます。
みぎにまがるとえきがみえます。
migi ni magaru to eki ga miemasu.
If you turn right, you'll see the station.
食べすぎると太る。
たべすぎるとふとる。
tabesugiru to futoru.
If you eat too much, you gain weight.
Common Mistakes
Wrong
ボタンを押すと押してください。
Correct
ボタンを押したら教えてください。
The result clause of ~と cannot contain commands, requests, or volitional expressions.
Wrong
行ったと
Correct
行くと
Use the plain non-past form before と, not the past tense.
Wrong
暑いだと
Correct
暑いと
i-adjectives connect directly to と without だ. Only na-adjectives and nouns use だと.
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