GRAMMAR
〜ものなら ①
if one could (impossible)
Explanation
NOTE
〜ものなら means if it were possible to — a wishful hypothetical about something likely impossible.
戻れるものなら、過去に戻りたい。
If I could, I'd return to the past.
The result clause often ends in たい, てほしい, or a volitional form expressing desire.
NOTE
Attach ものなら to a verb in its potential form (V[可]): 行ける → 行けるものなら.
NOTE
The speaker implies that the action is difficult or unlikely — so the wish carries a tone of resignation.
NOTE
Common pattern: the same verb repeats — Vれる ものなら V たい ("I'd V if I could V").
STRUCTURE
V可
ものなら食べられるものなら、この全部の料理を味わってみたいです。
Taberareru mononara, kono zenbu no ryouri o ajiwatte mitai desu.
If I were able to eat it all, I would love to taste all of these dishes.
戻れるものなら、子供の頃に戻りたいです。
Modoreru mononara, kodomo no koro ni modoritai desu.
If I could return [to the past], I would want to go back to my childhood.
行けるものなら、今直にでも日本へ旅行したいです。
Ikeru mononara, ima sugu ni demo Nihon e ryokou shitai desu.
If it were possible to go, I would want to travel to Japan right now.
行けるものなら、月に行ってみたい。
Ikeru mono nara, tsuki ni itte mitai.
If I could go, I'd want to visit the moon.
会えるものなら、もう一度祖父に会いたい。
Aeru mono nara, mou ichido sofu ni aitai.
If I could meet him, I'd want to see my grandfather once more.
休めるものなら、一週間休みたい。
Yasumeru mono nara, isshuukan yasumitai.
If I could take time off, I'd want a week's rest.
Practice exercises
1
時間さえあれば、会えるものなら会いたい。
If only I had time, I'd like to meet you if I could (but I can't).
Answer
ものなら
2
万が一、空を飛べるものなら、行きたいですか。
In the unlikely event that I could fly, where would I want to go?
Answer
ものなら
3
言えるものなら、言いたい。秘密を守るからには。
If I could say it, I'd want to. Now that I have to keep a secret, I can't.
Answer
ものなら
4
彼の心が読めるものなら、気持ちを知りたい。
If I could read his mind, I'd want to know his true feelings.
Answer
ものなら
5
時間を止められるものなら、あの瞬間に留まりたい。
If I could stop time, I'd want to stay in that moment.
Answer
ものなら