なIf and when
If that's the case
なら responds to what's been said: “if that's so, then…” It doesn't need the condition to happen first.
Responding to a situation
なら picks up what someone said
Someone says
A:明日京都に行きます。A: ashita kyouto ni ikimasu.I'm going to Kyoto tomorrow.
You respond
京都に行くなら、このお寺がいいですよ。Kyouto ni iku nara, kono otera ga ii desu yo.If you're going to Kyoto, this temple is good.
You give advice based on that.
Forms
It's very simple to attach
In speech, のなら often contracts to んなら.
| Before it | Example |
|---|---|
| Verb or い adjective (の is optional) | 行く(の)なら, 高い(の)なら |
| な adjective | 静かなら |
| Noun | 学生なら |
| Past | 行った(の)なら |
Think about it
In which sentence do you buy the camera before you go?
First
日本に行くなら、カメラを買います。Nihon ni iku nara, kamera o kaimasu.Second
日本に行ったら、カメラを買います。Nihon ni ittara, kamera o kaimasu.In use
Advice, opinions and offers
If you're cold, let's close the window.
If you're going to drink, please don't drive.
When it comes to sushi, that shop is the best.
After a noun, it means “when it comes to”.
If I were a bird, I'd fly there.
It can be purely imaginary.
Starting a sentence
それなら and それでは
It's raining? In that case, let's stay home.
Refers to what was just said.
Well then, let's get started.
Also fits a situation nobody's mentioned. Casual: それじゃ, じゃあ, じゃ.
Dressing it up or down
Formal to casual
| Form | With a sentence | Sounds |
|---|---|---|
| ならば | それならば | Careful, often written |
| なら | それなら | Everyday |
| そんなら | Casual speech | |
| それじゃ, じゃあ | Casual speech |
When not to use it
It needs some uncertainty
なら assumes you don't know whether something's true. If something's inevitable, like 冬になる, or if you already know the answer, it sounds strange. And the second half can't report a past result: after なら, say what you think, want or suggest.
Check yourself
What's the speaker doing?
Your turn
それなら or それでは?
Say it yourself
Travel tips
Your friend says they're going to Osaka next month. Recommend a food, and suggest they take the train if they're going from Tokyo.
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