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Whats the difference between

食べたら〜 and 食べてでもしたら〜

Tyler H
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1 Answers1

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The conditional たら is used neutrally, while the でもしたら expresses a condition you feel against and hope doesn't come true. I think adding "heaven forbid" or "perish the thought" may be a good analogue in English. Compare:

私のプリンを食べたら、めちゃくちゃ怒るからね。 "If you eat my custard pudding, I'm going to be really mad. (So be warned.)"

vs

私のプリンを食べでもしたら、めちゃくちゃ怒るからね。 "If, heaven forbid, you eat my custard pudding, I'm going to be really mad. (So be warned.)"

goldbrick
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