How to Say ‘If/when it comes’ in Japanese
きたら
ki tara
[kee tah-rah]
💬 Usage Tip: Conditional of [くる]. Often used for coaching: [きたら、すぐ] (“When it comes, immediately…”).
🇯🇵 In Japan: [〜たら] is a staple in drill language because it turns situations into simple rules kids can follow.
Phrase Breakdown
き
ki
[kee]
come (conditional part)
From 来る; ‘きたら’ is ‘if/when (it/they) come(s)’. Often used for simple decision cues.
ボールがきたら、まんなかにき。
When the ball comes, (start of) come to the middle.
たら
tara
[tah-rah]
if/when (conditional)
‘〜たら’ conditional pattern: ‘When X happens, do Y’. Perfect for coaching rules.
ボールがきたら、よこにうごいて。
When the ball comes, move to the side.
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