Processing keyword: ～となれば (〜to nareba)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～となれば (〜to nareba)

～となれば（〜to nareba）

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～となれば (〜to nareba), which is used to express hypothetical situations or conditions. Understanding this grammar will help you articulate possibilities and discuss potential outcomes in Japanese.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～となれば is used to express:

• If it comes to ~
• If ~ happens
• When it comes to ~ It indicates that if a certain situation arises, then a natural consequence or action will follow.

Structure

The structure of ～となれば is as follows:

Noun / Phrase + となれば

Formation Diagram

Detailed Explanation

• となれば combines と (a conditional particle) with なれば (the hypothetical form of なる - "to become").
• It sets up a condition (if X happens), and implies that under this condition, certain results or actions are expected.
• Often used to discuss hypothetical scenarios, plans, or when considering the implications of something.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ～としたら / ～とすれば
   • Usage: Also expresses hypothetical conditions meaning "if we suppose that ~".
   • Difference: ～としたら / ～とすれば is more about supposing or assuming a scenario, whereas ～となれば often implies a stronger likelihood or natural consequence.
2. ～ば
   • Usage: A conditional form meaning "if ~".
   • Difference: ～ば is a general conditional, while ～となれば emphasizes the becoming or establishment of a condition leading to inevitable outcomes.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. 大学に合格するとなれば、引っ越しの準備が必要だ。
   • Daigaku ni gōkaku suru to nareba, hikkoshi no junbi ga hitsuyō da.
   • Translation: If I get accepted into the university, I'll need to prepare to move.
2. 明日雨となれば、試合は中止だ。
   • Ashita ame to nareba, shiai wa chūshi da.
   • Translation: If it rains tomorrow, the match will be canceled.
3. 彼が来ないとなれば、会議を延期しましょう。
   • Kare ga konai to nareba, kaigi o enki shimashō.
   • Translation: If he isn't coming, let's postpone the meeting.
4. 海外へ行くとなれば、パスポートが必要だ。
   • Kaigai e iku to nareba, pasupōto ga hitsuyō da.
   • Translation: If you're going abroad, you'll need a passport.

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness

• ～となれば is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Adjust politeness by changing the verbs around it (e.g., using です/ます forms for politeness).

Idiomatic Expressions

• While ～となれば itself is not idiomatic, it's commonly used in set phrases where a situation is anticipated to lead to certain actions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Using ～となれば with adjectives directly.
  • Incorrect: 暑いとなれば、泳ぎに行こう。
  • Correct Usage: Use the noun form.
    • 暑さとなれば、泳ぎに行こう。

Tips

• Remember: となれば follows nouns or phrases that can function as nouns.
• Mnemonic: Think of となれば as "if it becomes so that..." to remind you it relates to situations becoming a certain way.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～となれば is used to discuss hypothetical situations that lead to natural consequences.
• It follows nouns or nominalized phrases.
• It emphasizes the condition under which something naturally follows.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you express "If she quits her job, it'll be tough for the team" using ～となれば?
   • Answer: 彼女が仕事を辞める*となれば、チームにとって大変だ。*
2. True or False: ～となれば can be used directly after adjectives.
   • Answer: False.

By mastering ～となれば, you can effectively discuss hypothetical situations and their potential outcomes in Japanese, adding depth to your conversations.