Japanese Learning (A3 S35): Hypothetical Sentence using Conditional Form of Nai-form of a Verb; [V-nakereba], [Main Clause].

The conditional forms of I-adjectives are shown tomorrow. What we are learning today is the conditional forms of Nai-form of verbs. Actually, Nai-forms of “Nai” conjugates as I-adjective because the last of “Nai” is “i” like I-adjectives.

1. Kimatsu-Shiken ni Goukaku Shi nakereba, Daigaku o Sotsugyou Deki masen.

(Unless I pass the final examinations, I will not be able to graduate the university.)

“Goukaku shinai” is the Nai-form of the verb “Goukaku-suru/Goukaku-shimasu”. Making “nai” “nakereba”, you get the conditional form of Nai-form.

2. Ame ga Fura nakereba, Aruite Ikimashou.

(If it’s not rainy. let’s go there by walk.)

“Fura nakereba” is the conditional form of the Nai-form “Furanai” which comes from “Furu/Furimasu”.

3. Kurejitto Ka’ado ga Nakereba, Genkin de Haratte kudasai.

(If you don’t have a credit card, please pay by cash.)

The Nai-form of the intransitive verb for existence “Aru/Arimasu” is not “(WRONG) Aranai” but “Nai”. Therefore, you cannot say “(WRONG) Ara nakereba”. The sentence 3 uses the negative expression “nakereba”. When someone say the sentence 3, it implies another positive expression as below;

4. Kurejitto Ka’ado ga Areba, Sore de Haratte kudasai.

(If you have a credit card, please pay by it.)

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This post was written with reference to the exercise A3 on Section35 of “Minna no Nihongo (2nd Edition)” published by “3A Corporation”