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  1. Japanese grammar
  2. JLPT N4 grammar
  3. 〜ないと、〜

〜ないと、〜~nai to, ~

Nai to, (〜ないと、〜) means “if you don't…, then…”.

早くはやくhayaku対策たいさくtaisakuしないshinaiと、to、被害ひがいhigaiがga大きくおおきくookikuなるnaruかkaもmoしれません。shiremasen。

If we don't take action quickly, the damage might worsen.

Use 「〜ないと、〜」 to state what may happen if someone does not take an action.

In the course›

How it works

  1. Look at the picture: what risks could you and your friends face if you do not check the news source?

    Look at the picture: what risks could you and your friends face if you do not check the news source?

  2. 「~ないと、~」 means “if you do not…, then…”. The first clause gives a negative condition.

    「~ないと、~」 means “if you do not…, then…”. The first clause gives a negative condition.

  3. Use the verb’s ない form, then add 「と」. For example, 「調べない」 becomes a condition when you add 「と」.

    Use the verb’s ない form, then add 「と」. For example, 「調べない」 becomes a condition when you add 「と」.

  4. The second clause explains the consequences of not acting. This pattern often warns someone to avoid trouble or danger.

    The second clause explains the consequences of not acting. This pattern often warns someone to avoid trouble or danger.

  5. The first example uses 「かもしれません」: the damage might worsen. It does not say this will definitely happen.

    The first example uses 「かもしれません」: the damage might worsen. It does not say this will definitely happen.

  6. In the second example, the result is that the problem is hard to solve. The second clause can also use a negative form to describe an unfavorable result.

    In the second example, the result is that the problem is hard to solve. The second clause can also use a negative form to describe an unfavorable result.

Example sentences

  • 早くはやくhayaku対策たいさくtaisakuしないshinaiと、to、被害ひがいhigaiがga大きくおおきくookikuなるnaruかkaもmoしれません。shiremasen。

    If we don't take action quickly, the damage might worsen.

In a conversation

  • A
    あのニュース、にゅーす、実じつはわ本当ほんとうの事実じじつじゃないかもしれないよ。

    A: That news might actually not be the real fact.

  • B
    えっ、そうな

Check yourself

  1. Level 1 · Recognise

    Which sentence is correct?

  2. Level 1 · Recognise

    Listen and choose the meaning

  3. Level 2 · Build

    Put the words in order

    If we do not take action quickly, the damage may become greater.

  4. Level 3 · Use

    What goes in the blank?

    早く対策____、被害が大きくなるかもしれません。

    If we don't take measures quickly, the damage could get worse.

More grammar in this theme

  • 〜ないと、〜if you don't…, then…

More JLPT N4 grammar

Keep practising

Test your Japanese vocabulary12 adaptive questions, freeCheck your pronunciationRead aloud and get a scorePractise verb forms10-question conjugation quizSee the whole courseGrammar, vocabulary and quizzes by theme
  • 周りまわりmawariのno人ひとhitoとto話しはなしhanashi合わないあわないawanaiと、to、問題もんだいmondaiはわwaなかなかnakanaka解決かいけつkaiketsuしません。shimasen。

    Unless you discuss it with the people around you, the problem won't be easily solved.

  • の?の
    じゃあ、
    冷静れいせい
    に情報源にじょうほうげん
    を
    調べないしらべない
    と
    危ないあぶない
    ね。

    B: Oh, really? Then it would be dangerous unless we calmly check the source of the information.

  • A
    うん。誤解ごかいしたまま友達ともだちに伝えるつたえると、大変なことたいへんなことになるからね。

    A: Yeah. Because if you pass it on to a friend while misunderstanding it, it could lead to serious trouble.

  • Intermediate 1
    News and Social Topics
    More quizzesOpen this lesson’s quizzes in the course
    〜んだってcasual hearsay
    〜のはどうですかhow about doing…?
    〜だけじゃなくて、〜もnot only A but also B
    〜てきましたchange continuing until now
    〜ためにcause: because of
    〜ていきますchange continuing into future
    Previous〜だけじゃなくて、〜も
    Next〜てきました
    See all 138
    〜かなI wonder if…
    〜なんかどうですかgentle suggestion
    〜がっていますshowing a feeling
    〜からですgiving a reason
    〜てほしいwant someone to do
    〜てもらいたいwant to receive someone’s help
    〜とか〜とかexamples among other things
    〜でしょう・〜だろうlikely; probably