〜なら
JLPT N4:if (that's the case)
"If that's the case" or "if it's X you mean": it takes up something just said or known, and adds advice, an opinion or a request about it.
How to form it
- Put なら after a plain verb or い-adjective: 行くなら, 高いなら.
- Nouns and な-adjectives take なら directly, with no だ: 寿司なら, 暇なら.
- ならば is a more formal version.
Examples
日本に行くなら、京都がおすすめです。
If you're going to Japan, I recommend Kyoto.
寿司なら、あの店がおいしいです。
If it's sushi you want, that place is good.
Notes
- The なら part can happen after the main clause: 日本に行くなら、パスポートを取っておいてください means get the passport before you go. With たら, the order would be reversed.
- It often picks up the listener's words: 駅に行きたいんですが — 駅なら、あちらです (the station? It's that way).
Common mistakes
- Using なら for a sequence in time. Say 駅に着いたら電話して (call me when you get to the station), not 着くなら.
Similar meaning
- 〜たらif / when
"If" or "once" for a particular event; the condition comes first in time.
- 〜ばif
"If" with the focus on the condition; suits general truths and advice.
- 〜とwhenever / if (always)
An automatic or habitual result, "whenever X, Y".