もしも～なら
If, Supposing
Structure
(1) Phrase［ば］、Phrase［と］、Phrase［ても］
Explanation
The adverb もしも adds emphasis to the hypothetical nature of もし. While its components might suggest a meaning like 'even if', もしも is almost always used in sentences expressing an assumption or hypothesis. Because of this, it is often translated into English as 'what if', 'assuming', or 'supposing that'.
もしも is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence that contains a conditional expression. Common examples of these expressions include ば, と, なら, and ても.
- もしも、パーティーに行くのならば、私も行きますよ。If you end up going to the party, then I'll go too.
- もしもこのボタンを押すと、電気が消えますから、触らないでください。If you press this button, the lights will go out, so please don't touch it.
- もしも日本に行くなら、京都にも寄ってみない？Assuming you're going to Japan, why not visit Kyoto as well?
- もしも急いでいたとしても、もっと早くは着かなかったでしょう。Even if we had rushed, we likely wouldn't have arrived any sooner.
Although もしも functions as a single adverb, it is simply a combination of the conditional word もし and the adverbial particle も.
Caution
もし and もしも are typically used to establish a direct causal relationship. This means that if condition (A) is met, result (B) will follow. On the other hand, たとえ is contrastive; it presents a challenging situation and focuses on what action should be taken in spite of it.
- もし、雨が降ったら、試合は中止です。If it rains, the match will be cancelled. (The cancellation is a direct result of the rain.)
- たとえ、みんなが反対しても、私はやります。Even if everyone opposes it, I'm still going to do it. (Doing it is a choice made despite the opposition, not as a result of it.)
Examples
もしも空を飛べたなら、電車に乗らないで学校に行けるのに。
If I could fly, I'd be able to get to school without taking the train.
もしも先生でも、この問題は解けないだろう。
Even if you were a teacher, you probably wouldn't be able to solve this problem.
もしも食べるなら、ラーメンがいいな。
If we're going to eat, I'd prefer ramen.
もしもお暇なら、ご一緒にお茶でもしませんか。
If you're free, would you like to have tea or something with me?
もしもそれが嘘でも、私は彼を信じます。
Even if that's a lie, I will believe him.
もしもお金がなくても、君がいれば幸せだ。
Even if I have no money, I'm happy as long as I have you.
もしも私があなたでも、きっと怒ったと思う。
If I were you, I'm sure I would have gotten angry too.
もしも明日晴れなら、ピクニックに行きましょう。
If it's sunny tomorrow, let's go for a picnic.
もしもこの薬を飲んだなら、すぐに良くなるはずです。
If you take this medicine, you should start feeling better right away.
もしも世界中が敵になっても、私はあなたの味方です。
Even if the whole world turns against you, I will be on your side.
マリア：「もしも時間を戻せるなら、もう一度あの日に帰りたい。」
Maria:'If I could turn back time, I'd want to go back to that day just one more time.'
ケンジ：「もしも宝くじに当たったなら、何を買う？」
Kenji: 'If you won the lottery, what would you buy?'