Japanese grammar
What does ～も～ば～も～ mean? Japanese grammar N2
～も～ば～も～ means both… and…; not only… but also….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N も + い形（ければ）+ N も N も + V可能形（れば）+ N も + V |
| Romaji | mo ba mo |
| Meaning | both… and…; not only… but also… |
Forming it
| Verb | できる → 勉強もできればスポーツもできる |
|---|---|
| Adjective | 安い → 値段も安ければ味もいい |
How to use it
Lists two characteristics of the SAME polarity about a single subject for emphasis. Used in both written and spoken style.
- 「AもXばBもY」 = A is X, and B is also Y: 「この店は値段も安ければ、味もいい」.
- The two clauses MUST be the same polarity (both positive or both negative) — 「安ければまずい」 is grammatically wrong.
- The first clause is conjugated with 「ば」; the two 「も」 particles are the identifying marker. More formal than 「～し～し」.
Examples
この店は値段も安ければ、味もいい。
This restaurant is both cheap and tasty.
彼は勉強もできれば、スポーツもできる。
He is good at both studying and sports.
Keep in mind
- Both clauses are the same polarity.
- The first clause conjugates with 「ば」; both clauses use 「も」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongこの店は値段も安ければ、味も悪い。
This restaurant is cheap but the taste is bad.
Correctこの店は値段は安いが、味は悪い。
The two clauses must be the same polarity; for opposite polarity use 「が」.
-
Wrong値段も安いも、味もいい。
The price is cheap and the taste is also good.
Correct値段も安ければ、味もいい。
The first clause must be conjugated with 「ば」.
Exam tips
- 「も～ば～も」 = both… and… (SAME polarity); the first clause is conjugated with 「ば」.