場合は
In the event of, In the case of
Structure
［い］Adjective + 場合(は)
［な］Adjective + な + 場合(は)
Noun + の + 場合(は)
Explanation
The phrase 場合は is used to talk about a hypothetical situation, similar to 'if' or 'in case (A) happens'. It can follow most words, but you must add な after a な-Adjective and の after a noun.
- 地震が起こる場合は、すぐに机の下に隠れてください。In the event of an earthquake, hide under a desk immediately.
- 気分が悪い場合は、無理をしないで休んでください。If you're feeling unwell, please don't push yourself and get some rest.
- 助けが必要な場合は、いつでも連絡してください。In case you need help, please contact me anytime.
- 彼の場合は、犬より猫の方が好きらしい。In his case, it seems he prefers cats over dogs.
On its own, 場合 means 'case' or 'situation'. It is commonly used to bring up a hypothetical scenario or to talk about something from a specific person's point of view.
- 空港まで行く場合は、バスと電車とどちらが早いですか？If I want to get to the airport, which is faster, the bus or the train?
- あなたの場合、この仕事を引き受けますか？In your situation, would you take on this job?
When 場合は is used to describe someone's perspective, it typically presents a contrast or comparison to a previously mentioned topic. This showcases the contrastive function of the particle は.
Caution
Because 場合 refers to a potential 'case' or 'event', it carries a sense of possibility rather than certainty. For this reason, it is not suitable for describing routine actions or events that are guaranteed to happen.
- 朝ごはんを食べる場合は、牛乳を飲みます。If I were to eat breakfast, I would drink milk. (Unnatural, as eating breakfast is usually a routine event)
- 朝ごはんを食べるときは、牛乳を飲みます。When I eat breakfast, I drink milk. (Natural, as this describes a regular habit)
- 会議に遅れる場合は、必ず連絡してください。In the event that you are late for the meeting, please be sure to contact us. (Focuses on the possibility of being late)
- 会議に来るときに、この資料を持ってきてください。When you come to the meeting, please bring these documents. (Focuses on the action of coming, assuming the person will come)
Examples
雨の場合は、イベントは中止になります。
In the case of rain, the event will be cancelled.
気分が悪い場合は、無理をしないで休んでください。
If you are feeling unwell, please don't push yourself and get some rest.
緊急な場合は、このボタンを押してください。
In case of an emergency, please press this button.
パスポートを失くした場合は、すぐに大使館に連絡してください。
In the event that you lose your passport, please contact the embassy immediately.
時間に間に合わない場合は、必ず電話をください。
In the event you won't make it on time, please be sure to call.
火事の場合は、エレベーターを使わないでください。
In the event of a fire, please do not use the elevator.
使い方がわからない場合は、説明書を読んでください。
If you don't understand how to use it, please read the instruction manual.
服が小さすぎる場合は、交換できますか。
If the clothes are too small, can I exchange them?
質問がある場合は、遠慮なく聞いてください。
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
アレルギーの反応が深刻な場合は、すぐに病院に行きなさい。
If the allergic reaction is severe, go to the hospital immediately.
道に迷った場合は、地図アプリを使うと便利ですよ。
In the event that you get lost, it's convenient to use a map app.
電車が遅れる場合は、会社に連絡しなければなりません。
If the train is running late, you must contact your company.