Processing keyword: ～としたら (〜to shitara)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～としたら (〜to shitara)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～としたら (〜to shitara) is used in Japanese to discuss hypothetical situations or to make suppositions that are uncertain or unlikely to happen. It translates to "if we assume that...", "if it were the case that...", or "supposing that..." in English.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Hypothetical Assumption: Used when imagining a situation that is not real or is unlikely.
• Expressing Uncertainty: It reflects an assumption that has not been confirmed.

Structure

The formation of ～としたら depends on the type of word it attaches to:

Formation Diagram

Word Type	Formation	Example
Verb (dictionary form)	Verb + としたら	行くとしたら (if [I] were to go)
い-adjective	い-adjective + としたら	高いとしたら (if it's expensive)
な-adjective	な-adjective + だとしたら	静かだとしたら (if it's quiet)
Noun	Noun + だとしたら	休みだとしたら (if it's a holiday)
Note: For な-adjectives and nouns, the copula だ is inserted before としたら.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Other Conditional Forms

～たら (〜tara)

• Usage: General conditional "if/when".
• Example: 雨が降ったら、試合は中止です。
  If it rains, the game will be canceled.

～なら (〜nara)

• Usage: Conditional "if" often based on given information.
• Example: 時間があるなら、手伝ってください。
  If you have time, please help me.

～としたら (〜to shitara)

• Usage: Hypothetical "if we suppose that...", often for unlikely or imagined situations.
• Example: 宝くじに当たるとしたら、何を買いますか。
  If you were to win the lottery, what would you buy?

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Supposing an Unreal Situation
   • もし宇宙に行けるとしたら、何をしたいですか。
     If you could go to space, what would you want to do?
2. Imagining an Unlikely Event
   • 明日、台風が来るとしたら、飛行機は欠航になるでしょう。
     If a typhoon were to come tomorrow, flights would likely be canceled.
3. Considering a Hypothetical Change
   • 会社を辞めるとしたら、次は何をしますか。
     If you were to quit your job, what would you do next?
4. Making a Supposition Based on Uncertain Information
   • その噂が本当だとしたら、大変なことになります。
     If that rumor is true, it will be a big deal.
5. Discussing an Improbable Scenario
   • タイムマシンがあるとしたら、過去と未来、どちらに行きたいですか。
     If there were a time machine, would you want to go to the past or the future?

Contextual Usage

• Formal and Informal Settings: Can be used in both spoken and written Japanese.
• Speculative Questions: Commonly used to pose hypothetical questions to others.

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5. Cultural Notes

Politeness and Formality

• The phrase ～としたら is neutral in politeness but should be used appropriately within the context of the conversation.
• Adjust the overall politeness level by modifying the verbs and expressions in the sentence.

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, posing hypothetical questions is a way to explore ideas without direct confrontation or commitment.
• It allows for discussion of possibilities in a polite and non-imposing manner.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Forgetting the Copula だ with Nouns and な-adjectives
   • Incorrect: 先生としたら
   • Correct: 先生だとしたら
2. Confusing with Simple Conditional ～たら
   • Using ～たら when the hypothetical nature of ～としたら is intended.

Tips

• Remember the Copula: Always include だ after nouns and な-adjectives before としたら.
• Understand the Nuance: Use ～としたら for hypothetical or less likely situations, especially when you are speculating.
• Practice with Examples: Make your own sentences to get comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～としたら is used to express hypothetical or imagined situations.
• Attach it to the plain form of verbs and adjectives; for nouns and な-adjectives, add だ before としたら.
• Different from other conditionals in terms of speculation and assumption about unlikely scenarios.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank: 明日、雨が降る______、試合は中止します。 a) としたら
   b) たら
   c) なら
2. True or False: The copula だ must be used with verbs before としたら.
3. Correct the Sentence: これは、夢だとしたら、起こさないでください。

Answers

1. a) としたら
   Explanation: If you are speculating about the possibility of rain (less certain), としたら is appropriate.
2. False
   Explanation: The copula だ is not used with verbs; it's used with nouns and な-adjectives.
3. The sentence is correct as is.

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By understanding and practicing ～としたら, you can effectively discuss hypothetical situations in Japanese and grasp the nuances of speculative conversation.

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