Japanese Particles 1

Front 1

ば

今出かければ間に合いますよ。

こんなペンでもよければどうぞ。

Back 1

Presents a condition that would result in the clause that follows.

English Approximation: If

If you leave now, you'll make it in time.

If this sort of pen is okay with you, go ahead (and use it).

Front 2

ば

こおろぎが鳴きだせば秋も間近い。

夕焼けになれば翌日は天気になる。

Back 2

Shows a cause-and-effect relationship between the topic it presents and the clause or phrase that follows.

English Approximation: when (something happens)

When crickets start to chirp, autumn is just around the corner.

When there's a vivid sunset, the next day will be clear.

Front 3

〜といえば、〜ならば

ミステリー映画と言えば、やっぱりヒッチコックのが一番だね。

おすしならばあの店がおいしいですよ。

Back 3

Indicates the topic which is to be discussed in the phrase or clause that follows.

English Approximation: Speaking of (topic), In terms of (topic), According to (topic)

Front 4

ば

前の仕事を思えば、今の仕事は楽なものです。

世論調査からみれば、その政治家の人気はかなり落ちた王だ。

Back 4

Similar to the meanings of the patterns 〜すると and 〜したところが。

English Approximation: Considering (Something, it is evident that ...)

Considering my former job, my current job is pretty easy.

In looking at the public opinion polls, it seems that the politician's popularity has fallen quite a bit.

Front 5

〜も〜ば

女もいれば男もいる。

食べる物もなければ、住む所もない。

Back 5

Serves to list events, categories and things.

English Approximation: (something) and (something) also, neither ... nor ...

There are women, and there are also men.

There isn't anything to eat, or anywhere to live. (i.e. There's neither food nor shelter.)

Front 6

ねばならない、ねければならない／なりません

人との約束は守らなければならない。

東京には毎月出張で行かなければなりません。

Back 6

Indicates that something has to be done or that a standard must be observed.

English Approximation: Must do (something)

(I) have to go to Tokyo every month on business trips.

One has to keep promises one makes to others.