Processing keyword: ～とすると (〜to suru to)
Japanese Grammar Point: ～とすると (〜to suru to)
1. Introduction
The grammar point ～とすると (〜to suru to) is used to express a hypothetical situation or assumption. It translates to "assuming that...", "supposing that...", or "if we suppose that..." in English. This expression allows the speaker to discuss potential outcomes based on certain suppositions.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- Assuming that...
- Supposing that...
- If we suppose that...
Structure
To form sentences with ～とすると, attach it to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
Formation
[Plain Form] + とすると
- Verb (Plain Form) + とすると
- い-adjective (Plain Form) + とすると
- な-adjective + だ + とすると
- Noun + だ + とすると
Formation Diagram
| Part of Speech | Plain Form | + とすると | Example Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verb | 行く (iku) | 行くとすると | Assuming (someone) goes |
| い-adjective | 高い (takai) | 高いとすると | Assuming it's expensive |
| な-adjective | 便利だ (benri da) | 便利だとすると | Assuming it's convenient |
| Noun | 先生だ (sensei da) | 先生だとすると | Assuming (someone) is a teacher |
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
| Grammar Point | Meaning | Usage Difference |
|---|---|---|
| ～としたら / ～とすれば | If we suppose that... | Interchangeable with ～とすると, but ～とすると can imply a natural consequence or realization. |
| もし～なら | If... | More casual; used for hypothetical situations. |
| ～場合は | In the case that... | More formal; focuses on specific conditions or events. |
4. Examples in Context
Formal Context
- 新しいプロジェクトを始めるとすると、予算はいくら必要ですか。
Atarashii purojekuto o hajimeru to suru to, yosan wa ikura hitsuyō desu ka.
Assuming we start a new project, how much budget is needed? - この仮説が正しいとすると、理論は大きく変わります。
Kono kasetsu ga tadashii to suru to, riron wa ōkiku kawarimasu.
Assuming this hypothesis is correct, the theory will change significantly.
Informal Context
- 彼が来ないとすると、パーティーはどうする？
Kare ga konai to suru to, pātii wa dō suru?
Assuming he doesn't come, what will we do about the party? - 明日雨だとすると、試合は中止かな。
Ashita ame da to suru to, shiai wa chūshi kana.
Assuming it rains tomorrow, I wonder if the game will be canceled.
Written Context
- 人口が増加し続けるとすると、環境への影響は避けられない。
Jinkō ga zōka shitsudzukeru to suru to, kankyō e no eikyō wa sakerarenai.
Assuming the population continues to increase, environmental impact is unavoidable.
Spoken Context
- 成功するとすると、次は何をするつもりですか。
Seikō suru to suru to, tsugi wa nani o suru tsumori desu ka.
Assuming you succeed, what do you plan to do next?
5. Cultural Notes
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- ～とすると is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- The formality is adjusted through sentence endings and context.
- Commonly used in discussions, hypotheticals, and planning scenarios.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 仮に～とすると (Karini ~ to suru to)
Even if we suppose that...
This phrase emphasizes the hypothetical nature and is used to introduce conjectures.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Incorrect Verb Form Usage
❌ 友達に会ったとすると、伝えておきます。
Using past tense "会った" implies the action has already occurred. ✅ 友達に会うとすると、伝えておきます。
Assuming I meet my friend, I will inform them. - Confusion with Conditional Forms
Don't confuse ～とすると (assuming that...) with conditional ～と (when/if).
- ～とすると is for assumptions or suppositions.
- ～と expresses natural consequences.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device Remember "と" as "if" and "すると" as "do," so together they hint at "if we do... then assuming..."
- Practice with Scenarios Create hypothetical situations in daily life and express them using ～とすると to become familiar with its usage.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ～とすると is used to express hypothetical assumptions or suppositions.
- Attach とすると to the plain form of verbs, adjectives, or nouns.
- It translates to "assuming that..." or "supposing that...".
- Useful for discussing potential outcomes based on certain conditions.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Question: How do you form ～とすると with a な-adjective?
- Question: Translate into Japanese:
Assuming it's convenient, let's meet tomorrow. - Question: Identify the mistake:
時間があるとすると、映画を見ます。
Answers
- Answer: Use the plain form of the な-adjective with だ + とすると.
Example: 静かだとすると - Answer:
便利だとすると、明日会いましょう。
Benri da to suru to, ashita aimashō. - Answer:
The sentence implies that having time is a hypothesis, but the action is definitive. To express a plan based on the assumption, it should be:
時間があるとすると、映画を見に行きたいです。
Assuming I have time, I want to go watch a movie.
By understanding and practicing ～とすると, you can effectively discuss hypothetical situations and express assumptions in Japanese.