если vs ли
yesli vs li — if/whether vs whether/question particle
Register: neutral
What it really means
Если means if and introduces a condition: если будет время. Ли is a movable question particle meaning whether/if in an indirect question or adding doubt to a direct question: я не знаю, придёт ли он; придёт ли он? It follows the word under question, often the verb.
English “if” can map to either word: use если for a condition and ли for whether.
Examples in natural speech
Если будет дождь, мы останемся дома.
If it rains, we will stay home.
Позвони, если приедешь.
Call if you arrive.
Я не знаю, будет ли он дома.
I do not know whether he will be home.
Можно ли здесь парковаться?
Is it allowed to park here?
Спроси, хочет ли она пойти.
Ask whether she wants to go.
Common mistakes
Do not say я не знаю, если он придёт for “I do not know whether he will come”; use придёт ли. Use если only when the arrival is a condition.
Memory tip
Если sets a condition; ли turns a statement into “whether?”
Frequently asked questions
How do I say if it rains?
Если пойдёт дождь.
How do I say I do not know whether?
Я не знаю, ... ли.
Where does ли go?
After the focused word, commonly the verb: придёт ли.
Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.