Dictionary forms + …    whenever…if…
(Refer to DBJG To pp.480 482 for more sample sentences.)

marks a conditional clause and indicates:

  1. a logical cause –effect relationship (non-controllable).  E.g.  春になるとあたたかくなります。 Spring has come (it becomes spring) (and what is naturally following is), it becomes warm.
  2. an action or event and its inevitable (or natural or habitual) consequence.  The main clause expresses something happens, not something the speaker of the hearer intentionally does.  Therefore, it cannot be used with such endings as –mashoo, te-kudasai, and –tai desu (those which indicate a command, a request, a suggestion, an invitation or a volitional sentences.)

E.g. 日本人は、お酒を飲むと、顔が赤くなります。When(ever) a Japanese drink sake (and what is  naturally following is), his/her face becomes red.

毎日日本語を練習すると、上手になります。If you study Japanse every day, you will be good at it. 

ごはんを食べると、眠たくなります。When(ever) we eat a meal, we becomes drawsy.

魚は古いとおいしくないです。If fish is old, it does not taste good.

(Refer to the key sentences.)
春になる、桜がきれいにさいて、ハイキングに行きたくなります
冬になる、雪が積もって、スキーやスケートをやりたくなります

Assignment 1-6 C: Lets remember/review the annual holidays/events/activities in Japan.  Thinking about what Japanese would do, complete the following sentences.  Think from Japanese perspectives (what the Japanese would say).  After you submit your answers, you will be given a sample answers.  Evaluate how much you can answer/think from Japanese perspectives.

  1. 初詣に行くと、(               )。
  2. 子供は、お年玉をたくさんもらうと、(           )。
  3. 節分の日が来ると、(               )。
  4. 夏に浴衣を着ると、 (                )。
  5. ゴールデンウイークになると、(              )。

Now, think about yourself.  What would you naturally/habitually do at the following situations?

6. お腹がすくと、(                 )。
7.のどが渇くと、(                 )。
8.給料をもらって、お金があると、(              )。
9. 暇になると(or 時間があると)、(               )。
10. 夏になって、暑くなると、(                 )。
11. & 12. Make up two more sentences, using this structure.  You can talk about what you do habitually at holiday season, etc.