Japanese grammar
What does ～となったら mean? Japanese grammar N1
～となったら means once it comes down to…; if it turns out that….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V辞書形 + となったら N + となったら |
| Romaji | tonattara |
| Meaning | once it comes down to…; if it turns out that… |
Forming it
| Noun | 本番 + となったら |
|---|---|
| Clause | 引っ越す + となったら |
How to use it
States that once situation A BECOMES REALITY, one must/will B. Emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.
- 「～となったら」 = once A becomes reality, then B. Emphasizes that situation A is a significant turning point.
- The latter clause is usually something one MUST do or an inevitable reaction.
- Close to 「～となると」 (N1-230); the 「たら」 form emphasizes the hypothesis “if it turns out that way”.
Examples
海外へ引っ越すとなったら、手続きが山ほどある。
Once you actually move abroad, the paperwork is endless.
本番となったら、誰でも緊張するものだ。
When it comes to the real thing, anyone gets nervous.
Keep in mind
- A is a significant situation.
- The following clause is something one must do/a reaction.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong朝になったら、鳥が鳴く。
Whenever morning comes, birds sing.
Correct朝になると、鳥が鳴く。
A recurring rule uses 「と」; 「となったら」 emphasizes a SIGNIFICANT situation becoming reality.
-
Wrong引っ越すとなったら、うれしいだけだ。
Once you actually move, it's only joy.
Correct引っ越すとなったら、準備が大変だ。
The latter clause states something one MUST face/do, not a simple feeling.
Exam tips
- 「となったら」 = once A becomes reality, then one must B; A is a significant turning point.