なら
Meanings
- If
- In case
- Provided that
- As for (conditional)
About this pattern
Explanation
なら is used to set up a condition or premise for what follows. It can mean 'if it's the case that…' or 'if/when it is true that…'. It also has a function of shifting the topic to the condition or even giving a suggestion based on the condition (e.g., if this is true, then do X). It’s often smoother and more subjective than other conditionals like ~と or ~ば, and it can imply that the speaker considers the premise to be known or assumed. Common usage patterns include attaching なら to nouns, i-adjectives in their い-form, and verbs in their dictionary form. It can also express a tentative or hypothetical nuance, or a strong recommendation when the listener’s condition is met. Examples typically involve daily life decisions, plans, or opinions contingent on a condition.
Learn in context
Example sentences
If it rains, I’ll stay at home.
If you’re feeling well, let’s go on a trip.
If he comes, I’ll go too.
If this shop is cheap, I’d like to try it.
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More N4 patterns
Or something; Any... (with question words); No matter (who)
View detailseasy to (do); likely to (happen); easy to be affected by
View detailsDifficult to; Hard to; Not easy to do something
View detailsGradually; Little by little; Step by step
View detailsmore and more; rapidly; increasing quickly; progressively
View detailsWe/They/You all (plural forms); These/Those (plural demonstratives); Plural suffix for certain pronouns and demonstratives
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