Japanese grammar
What does ～たら～たで mean? Japanese grammar N1
～たら～たで means if… then in its own way (has its own drawbacks).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vたら + 同Vた + で |
| Romaji | tara tade |
| Meaning | if… then in its own way (has its own drawbacks) |
Forming it
| Verb (go) | 行ったら + 行った + で |
|---|---|
| Verb (buy) | 買ったら + 買った + で |
How to use it
Repeats the same verb to say: whether A happens or not, either way there's its own problem.
- 「AたらAたで」 repeats the SAME verb: "if A, then there's also A's own hassle". Usually paired with a contrasting clause to say it's hard either way.
- The following clause states the problem that arises — implying there's no perfect choice.
- Colloquial; often used when lamenting.
Examples
子供が小さいうちは大変だが、大きくなったらなったで心配が増える。
It’s hard when they’re small, and once they grow up, the worries only multiply.
お金がないのも困るが、あったらあったで使ってしまう。
Having no money is hard, but when you have it, you just spend it.
Keep in mind
- The two verbs must be THE SAME.
- The following clause states the problem that arises.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong行ったら来たで大変だ。
Going has its own hassle too.
Correct行ったら行ったで大変だ。
The two verbs must be the SAME — this is a repetition structure.
-
Wrong行ったら行ったで楽しい。
Going has its own tiredness too.
Correct行ったら行ったで疲れる。
The following clause states a PROBLEM that arises (implying difficulty either way), not something entirely good.
Exam tips
- 「AたらAたで」 = having A comes with A's own hassle; the two verbs must be the same.