ものなら①
JLPT Level: N2
Meanings
If it could happen; if one could do something
If, by any chance, it were possible for me/us to do X
Usage
V potential + ものなら
Adj/NAな + ものなら
Noun + の + ものなら
Explanation
ものなら expresses a strong, hypothetical condition that is often unlikely or difficult to achieve. It conveys the speaker’s sense of ‘if it were possible (but it is probably not), …’ and is frequently used when urging action, expressing a wish, or warning about what one would do under such a unlikely circumstance. It tends to be used in situations where the speaker imagines the best-case possibility and contrasts it with reality.
私にできるものなら、今すぐ手伝います。
わたしにできるものなら、いますぐてつだいます。
If I could do it, I would help right now.
彼が来るものなら、待っていても無駄だ。
かれがくるものなら、まっていてもむだだ。
If he were going to come, waiting would be pointless.
こんなに難しい宿題、私にできるものなら一晩で終わらせたい。
こんなにむずかしいしゅくだい、わたしにできるものならひとばんでおわらせたい。
If I could do this difficult homework, I’d like to finish it in one night.
あんな高価な車、私に買えるものならとっくに買っている。
あんなこうかなくるま、わたしにかえるものならとっくにかっている。
If I could buy such an expensive car, I would have bought it long ago.