Grammar Info
N4 Lesson 6: 1/16

場合(ばあい)は
In the event of, In the case of

Structure
Verb + 場合()
[い]Adjective + 場合()
[な]Adjective + + 場合()
Noun + + 場合()
Details
Register Standard
使用域 一般
Information
場合(ばあい)は is a phrase in Japanese that is often translated to ‘in the event of (A)’, or ‘in the case of (A)’. It can be used with almost any type of word, but will require な when following a な-Adjective, or when following a noun.
  • オートバイに乗(の)る場合(ばあい)ヘルメットかぶってください
    In the event that you will ride a motorbike, please wear a helmet.
  • 咳(せき)ひど場合(ばあい)マスクてください
    In the case that you have a bad cough, please wear a mask.
  • 仕事(しごと)大変(たいへん)場合(ばあい)私(わたし)に電話(でんわ)てください
    In the case that your work is difficult, call me.
  • 私(わたし)場合(ばあい)冬(ふゆ)好(す)きです
    In my case, I like winter. (Personally I like winter)
場合(ばあい) by itself is usually translated as ‘case’, or ‘situation’. It is frequently used to highlight a hypothetical situation, or a viewpoint/characteristic of another person.
  • 浅草駅(あさくさえき)に行(い)く場合(ばあい)どの電車(でんしゃ)行(い)った方(ほう)がいいです
    If I were to go to Asakusa station, which train would be the best to take?
  • あなた場合(ばあい)こういう時(とき)どうする?
    In a situation like this, what would you do?
When 場合(ばあい)は is highlighting a viewpoint/characteristic of another person, this is almost always in contrast/comparison to something that is already being discussed. This is an example of the contrastive nuance of the particle.
Caution
In relation to a situation, because 場合(ばあい) means ‘to encounter (A)’, it has a nuance of randomness. Due to this, 場合(ばあい)は will not be used to describe events that regularly occur, or events that can be planned/controlled.
  • 学校(がっこう)に行(い)く場合(ばあい)早(はや)く起(お)きます
    If I were to go to school, I would wake up early. (Unnatural Japanese, unless going to school is an unusual thing for this person)
  • 学校(がっこう)に行(い)くとき早(はや)く起(お)きます
    When I go to school, I wake up early. (Natural Japanese, if going to school is a regular thing for this person)
  • あしたパーティーに来(く)る場合(ばあい)ビール持(も)って来(き)てください
    In the event that you will come to tomorrow’s party, please bring some beer. (Focuses on the possibility of coming)
  • あしたパーティーに来(く)るときにビール持(も)って来(き)てください
    When you come to the party, bring some beer with you. (Focuses on the request)
Slow Male
Hide All
Hide Japanese
Hide English
危険(きけん)場合(ばあい)ここ電話(でんわ)してください
In the event that it is dangerous, please call me.
Play  
私(わたし)犬(いぬ)場合(ばあい)家族(かぞく)一緒(いっしょ)です
In the case of my dog, he is like family.
Play  
遊(あそ)んでいる場合(ばあい)危(あぶ)ないことないで
In the case that you are playing, don't do anything dangerous.
Play  
Online
NIHON ON THE GO
Books
Tobira
Page 47
みんなの日本語 II
Page 126 [CH 45]