仮定形 (kateikei) — If ~, then ~

Grammar rule (व्याकरण नियम र परिभाषा)

仮定形 sets a condition — if the first thing happens, the second follows. It attaches not only to verbs but to adjectives and nouns too, which is why there are six shapes. Step through them one at a time in the picker below: **Group 1** turn the i-sound before ます into an e-sound, then ば; **Group 2** drop ます, then れば; **Group 3** すれば／来れば; **い-adjective** drop い, then ければ; **な-adjective and noun** just なら. The negative follows the same idea: 行かない → 行かなければ, 安くない → 安くなければ. That same 〜なければ is what builds 〜なければ なりません (must do), so this form earns its keep.