Japanese grammar
What does ～としたら mean? Japanese grammar N3
～としたら means if we assume that ~; supposing that ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | plain form + としたら |
| Romaji | toshitara |
| Meaning | if we assume that ~; supposing that ~ |
Forming it
| Connection | plain form + としたら |
|---|
How to use it
Sets a HYPOTHETICAL premise, then asks/discusses its consequence. Often used when weighing a choice that hasn't happened yet.
- 「～としたら」 = supposing A were true, then… The clause after is usually a question or a reasoning about the consequence.
- Nouns/na-adjectives need 「だ」 before 「としたら」: 「本当だとしたら」.
- Same group as 「～とすれば／～とすると」 (N1); at N3 level, just grasping the basic hypothetical meaning is enough.
Examples
一か月休めるとしたら、どこへ行きたいですか。
If you could take a month off, where would you go?
彼の話が本当だとしたら、大きな問題です。
If his story is true, this is a serious problem.
宝くじが当たったとしたら、何に使いますか。
Supposing you won the lottery, what would you spend it on?
Keep in mind
- Nouns need 「だ」 before 「としたら」.
- Used for hypotheticals that haven't happened yet.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong本当としたら、問題です。
Correct本当だとしたら、問題です。
Nouns/na-adjectives need だ before としたら.
-
Wrong本当としたら、大変だ。
Suppose that were true, it would be a big problem.
Correct本当だとしたら、大変だ。
Nouns and na-adjectives need 「だ」.
-
Wrong明日は日曜日だとしたら、休みです。
Because tomorrow is Sunday, I get the day off.
Correct明日は日曜日だから、休みです。
A certain fact isn't stated with a hypothetical.
Exam tips
- 「としたら」 = supposing; nouns/na-adjectives need 「だ」 before it.