Meaning
This pattern indicates that a certain condition must be fulfilled before something else can happen or be achieved. It expresses a necessary prerequisite—without completing the action in the first clause, the action or state in the second clause is impossible or cannot occur. The second clause typically contains expressions of difficulty or impossibility.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞(て形) | てからでないと/てからでなければ |
Examples
-
証拠をつかんでからでないと、あの容疑者を逮捕することはできません。
Without obtaining evidence, we cannot arrest that suspect. -
今からいっぱい練習してからでないと、明日の新年会でバフォーマンスは無理だよ。
Unless we practice a lot from now on, we won't be able to perform at tomorrow's New Year's party. -
留学ビザが取れてからでなければ、日本に留学することはできません。
Unless you obtain a study visa, you cannot study abroad in Japan.
Summary
- Expresses a strict prerequisite condition that must be satisfied first
- Second clause typically contains impossible, difficult, or negative expressions (できない, 無理, など)
- Formed with te-form of verb + てからでないと or てからでなければ