〜ば
If… then… (hypothetical conditional)machine translation
FormationGroup 1 verbs: change the final sound to the え row + ば (行く→行けば); group 2: drop る + れば; する→すれば・来る→来れば; い-adjectives: drop い + ければ; ない-form: drop い + ければ
ば is the conditional form conjugated directly on the word. Group 1 verbs change the final sound to the え row and add ば: 行く→行けば、飲む→飲めば; group 2 verbs drop る and add れば: 食べれば; irregulars: する→すれば、来る→来れば. い-adjectives drop い and add ければ: 安ければ; the ない-form works the same way: 行かなければ (if [you] don't go).
In meaning, ば is a neutral hypothetical "if" that puts the focus on the condition: "as long as A, then B", "provided A, then B". That makes ば a natural fit for general advice and proverbs, and it is the base of many patterns you will meet: 〜ばいい、〜ばよかった、〜ばいいですか.
Like と, ば has a restriction: when the first clause is an action verb and both clauses share the same subject, the second clause avoids commands, invitations, and expressions of desire — sentences like "if you come to Tokyo, please call me" must use たら. If the first clause is a state (ある、いる、an adjective), this restriction doesn't apply: 時間があれば、来てください is still correct.
Comparing the four conditionals: と is an inevitable, automatic result; たら is the most versatile, leaning toward specific one-time events; なら starts from a topic the other person raised. ば sits in between: a pure hypothetical that sounds compact and slightly more formal than たら.
Examples
時間があれば、映画を見に行きたいです。
If I have time, I'd like to go see a movie.
安ければ、このかばんを買います。
If it's cheap, I'll buy this bag.
毎日練習すれば、上手になりますよ。
If you practice every day, you'll get good at it.