Explanation
Conveys that if something happens (or doesn’t happen), there is a particular consequence or situation either way.
Formation
Verb-た form + ら + (same Verb-た form) + で
Detailed explanation
The pattern VerbたらVerbたで is used for scenarios where doing something creates a certain issue or reaction, and not doing it also creates a different concern. It often shows that no matter which side of the condition you end up on, there’s some related result or trouble.
Examples
Ittara itta de taihen da shi, ikanakattara ikanakatta de kōkai shisō da.
If I go, it’s a hassle; if I don’t go, I’ll regret it.
Kattara katta de okane ga naku naru shi, kawanakattara kawanakatta de ato de hoshiku naru.
If I buy it, I’ll run out of money; if I don’t buy it, I’ll want it later.
Tsukuttara tsukutta de tabekirenai shi, tsukuranakattara tsukuranakatta de onaka ga suku.
If I cook, I can’t finish it all; if I don’t, I’ll be hungry.
Ryokō ni dekaketara dekaketa de tsukareru shi, ie ni itara itada de taikutsu suru.
If I go on a trip, I'll get tired, but if I stay home, I'll be bored.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.