それなら
Then, If that's the case
Structure
Explanation
As a conjunction, それなら is used to show that based on the preceding statement, a certain outcome or consideration logically follows. それなら often translates to 'in that case, then (B)' or 'if that is so, then (B)'.
- コンビニに行くの？それならついでに飲み物を買ってきてくれない？Are you going to the convenience store? In that case, could you grab me a drink while you're there?
- 静かな場所で勉強したいんですか？それなら、二階の図書館がいいですよ。Are you looking for a quiet place to study? In that case, the library on the second floor is a great option.
You'll typically find それなら used in conversation when responding to information you've just received from someone else. It precedes a logical deduction, piece of advice, or thought that arises from what was just said.
- それなら子供でも分かりそうだ。In that case, it seems even a child could understand it.
- それならすぐに病院へ行ったほうがいいよ！In that case, you should go to the hospital right away!
- それなら両親に相談したほうがいいと思います。In that case, I think you should discuss it with your parents.
The expressions だったら and それだったら are also commonly used and have the same function.
- 一人で映画を見に行くの？だったら私もついて行ってもいい？You're going to the movies alone? If that's the case, would you mind if I came too?
- ケンジ君もピザを注文するの？それだったら一緒に頼もうよ。そのほうが配達料も安くなるし。Kenji, are you ordering pizza too? In that case, let's order together. We'll save on the delivery fee that way.
Examples
中村さん：「このシャツ、サイズがちょっと大きいんです。」
木下さん：「それなら、一つ下のサイズを試してみてはいかがですか。」
Nakamura-san: 'This shirt is a little too big for me.'
Kinoshita-san: 'If that's the case, why don't you try one size smaller?'
鈴木：「明日は一日中雨が降るらしいよ。」
佐藤：「それなら、ピクニックは中止だね。」
Suzuki: 'I hear it's supposed to rain all day tomorrow.'
Sato: 'In that case, the picnic is cancelled, isn't it?'
吉田さん：「この道は工事中で通れません。」
渡辺さん：「それなら、迂回するしかありませんね。」
Yoshida-san: 'This road is closed due to construction.'
Watanabe-san: 'If that is the case, we have no choice but to take a detour.'
高橋さん：「塩を入れすぎて、スープがしょっぱくなっちゃった。」
伊藤さん：「それなら、ジャガイモをいくつか入れるといいですよ。」
Takahashi-san: 'I added too much salt and now the soup is too salty.'
Ito-san: 'If that's the case, it's a good idea to add a few potatoes.'
斎藤さん：「あのレストランは、いつも満席で入れないんだ。」
松田さん：「それなら、予約してから行きましょう。」
Saito-san: 'That restaurant is always full, so you can never get in.'
Matsuda-san: 'In that case, let's make a reservation before we go.'
小川さん：「図書館には僕の傘はなかったよ。」
石川さん：「それなら、きっと電車の中に忘れたんだ。」
Ogawa-san: 'My umbrella wasn't at the library.'
Ishikawa-san: 'Then, you must have left it on the train.'
岡田：「この単語の意味が分かりません。」
長谷川：「それなら、辞書で調べてみたら？」
Okada: 'I don't understand the meaning of this word.'
Hasegawa: 'In that case, why not look it up in the dictionary?'
後藤さん：「今日の最終バスはもう出てしまいました。」
阿部さん：「それなら、タクシーで帰るしかないですね。」
Goto-san: 'The last bus for today has already left.'
Abe-san: 'If that's the case, I guess we have no choice but to take a taxi home.'
木村さん：「彼はギターを10年も練習しているそうです。」
林さん：「それなら、あんなに上手に弾けるのも当然ですね。」
Kimura-san: 'I heard he's been practicing guitar for 10 years.'
Hayashi-san: 'If that is the case, it's no wonder he can play so well.'
山口さん：「頭が痛くて、仕事に集中できません。」
石井さん：「それなら、今日は早退してもいいですよ。」
Yamaguchi-san: 'I have a headache and can't concentrate on my work.'
Ishii-san: 'In that case, you can leave early today.'
坂本さん：「もう夜遅いから、コーヒーはちょっと…」
青木さん：「それなら、紅茶にしましょうか。」
Sakamoto-san: 'It's already late, so I'm not sure about coffee...'
Aoki-san: 'If that's the case, shall we have tea instead?'
橋本さん：「この辺りは夜になると、とても暗くて静かです。」
藤田さん：「それなら、一人で歩かない方がいい。」
Hashimoto-san: 'This area gets very dark and quiet at night.'
Fujita-san: 'If that is the case, you shouldn't walk alone.'