GRAMMAR
それなら
if that is the case
Explanation
NOTE
それなら means in that case or if so — a sentence-initial response to what was just said.
頭が痛いの？それなら薬を飲んで。
You have a headache? In that case, take some medicine.
Used to react to information just received and propose a logical consequence.
NOTE
Use それなら at the start of a sentence to introduce a suggestion, decision, or conclusion based on what was said.
NOTE
それなら is conversational and works well after a question or statement from someone else.
STRUCTURE
それなら ...
明日は雨らしい。それなら傘を持って行こう。
Ashita wa ame rashii. Sorenara kasa wo motte ikou.
It seems it will rain tomorrow. In that case, let's bring an umbrella.
時間がないの？それならタクシーで行こう。
Jikan ga nai no? Sorenara takushii de ikou.
You don't have time? If so, let's go by taxi.
魚が嫌いなんだ。それなら肉を注文しよう。
Sakana ga kirai nan da. Sorenara niku wo chuumon shiyou.
I don't like fish. In that case, let's order meat.
Practice exercises
1
「会議は中止です。」「それなら、今日は早く帰りましょう。」
“The meeting is canceled.” “If that is the case, let's go home early today.”
Answer
それなら
2
「明日、雨が降るそうです。」「それなら、家で映画を見ましょう。」
"I hear it will rain tomorrow." "If that is the case, let's watch movies at home."
Answer
それなら
3
「暑い。」「それならエアコンをつけよう。」
"It's hot." "In that case, let's turn on the AC."
Answer
それなら
4
「時間がない。」「それならタクシーで行こう。」
"There's no time." "In that case, let's take a taxi."
Answer
それなら
5
「日本語が難しい。」「それなら毎日練習しよう。」
"Japanese is hard." "If that's the case, let's practice every day."
Answer
それなら