GRAMMAR
〜なら
if ~
were it
Explanation
NOTE
なら is a context-based conditional meaning if you are talking about ~ or if it is the case that ~. It picks up on something the listener said or implied, and builds a response around that topic.
NOTE
Unlike たら or ば, なら does not describe a time sequence. The result clause can refer to something that happens before the condition. It is perfect for giving advice or recommendations based on a topic someone raised.
STRUCTURE
V普
なら日本に行くなら、京都がいい。
Nihon ni iku nara, Kyouto ga ii.
If you are going to Japan, Kyoto is good.
買うなら、あの店が安い。
Kau nara, ano mise ga yasui.
If you are going to buy it, that shop is cheap.
勉強するなら、図書館が静かだ。
Benkyou suru nara, toshokan ga shizuka da.
If you are going to study, the library is quiet.
STRUCTURE
N辞
なら寿司なら、あの店が一番だ。
Sushi nara, ano mise ga ichiban da.
As for sushi, that shop is the best.
日本語なら、田中さんに聞いてください。
Nihongo nara, Tanaka-san ni kiite kudasai.
If it is about Japanese, please ask Tanaka.
Practice exercises
1
泳ぐなら、海がいい。
If you are going to swim, the sea is good.
Answer
なら
2
食べるなら、あのレストランがおすすめだ。
If you are going to eat, that restaurant is recommended.
Answer
なら
3
魚なら、この市場が新鮮だ。
If it is fish, this market has the freshest.
Answer
なら
4
漢字なら、この本がいい。
If it is kanji, this book is good.
Answer
なら
5
天気が悪いなら、家で本を読みます。
If the weather is bad, I will read a book at home.
Answer
なら
6
天気が悪いなら、家で本を読みます。
If the weather is bad, I will read a book at home.
Answer
なら
7
日本に行くなら、京都がいい。
If you are going to Japan, Kyoto is good.
Answer
なら
8
寿司なら、あの店が一番だ。
If it is sushi, that shop is the best.
Answer
なら
9
勉強するなら、図書館が静かだ。
If you are going to study, the library is quiet.
Answer
なら
10
健康が心配なら、まず生活習慣を見直すべきだ。
If you are worried about your health, you should first reconsider your lifestyle habits.
Answer
なら