For an imaginary "if", use "dá", which eclipses the verb after it and takes the conditional. The conditional itself softens the first letter of the verb and adds endings like -f(a)inn (I would), -feadh sé (he would). Save "má" for a real, likely condition.
Examples
- Dá mbeadh am agam, rachainn go Meiriceá.
- If I had time, I would go to America.
- Cheannóinn teach dá mbuafainn an crannchur.
- I would buy a house if I won the lottery.
- Dá mba mise tusa, d'fhanfainn sa bhaile.
- If I were you, I would stay at home.
The mistake to avoid
Using "má" for hypothetical situations — "má" cannot be followed by the conditional; hypotheticals need "dá".
Where this fits in
Pleananna, brionglóidí agus coinníollacha, Irish Gaelic B1: Talk about the future, express wishes, and use conditionals.