なら
Were it, If, If it's the case, As for (Conditional)
Structure
［い］Adjective＋（の）＋なら（ば）
［な］Adjective＋なら（ば）
Noun＋なら（ば）
Explanation
As we saw in the lesson on ば, なら is frequently used on its own to express 'if'. It is understood to be a contraction of ならば, which is the hypothetical form of なり, a classical auxiliary verb that has fallen out of common use in modern Japanese.
The original meaning of なり was 'to be', so it operates similarly to the auxiliary verb だ. As a result, なら commonly follows nouns or phrases that have been nominalized (made noun-like) with the particle の.
- 日本へ行くのならば、日本語を勉強したほうがいい。If you're going to go to Japan, you should study Japanese.
- 眠いのならば、コーヒーを飲むといいだろう。If you're sleepy, you should probably drink some coffee.
- 嫌なら大丈夫だよ。If you don't want to, that's fine.
- 映画なら何でも見ます。If it's a movie, I can watch anything.
Unlike だ (or です), however, なら can also be used without the nominalizing particle の, attaching directly to the plain form of verbs and い-Adjectives.
- 休むなら、早く連絡してください。If you're going to take the day off, please let me know in advance.
- 高いなら、買わないでください。If it's expensive, please don't buy it.
Caution
Since なら comes from ならば, its use is limited to making assumptions about what 'might' or 'could' occur under specific circumstances. Consequently, it is not used for 'if' in contexts where the outcome is a natural or guaranteed result of an action, such as training or repeated effort.
- 毎日それを食べるなら、太る。If you eat that every day, you will gain weight. (Unnatural Japanese, as gaining weight is a direct consequence of eating it every day)
Fun Fact
While なら originates from the classical auxiliary verb なり, it is important not to mix it up with the particle なり. This particle typically means 'as soon as' or 'immediately after'. Fortunately, like its verb counterpart, the particle なり is rarely encountered in contemporary Japanese, making confusion unlikely.
Examples
田中さんなら、分かる。
If it's Mr. Tanaka, he will understand. (if it is the case)
そういうわけなら、手伝いますよ。
If that's the reason, I'll help you. (in the case of)
料理がおいしいなら、また来ます。
If the food is delicious, I'll come again. (if it is the case)
映画を観るなら、ポップコーンを買おう。
If we're going to watch a movie, let's buy some popcorn. (in the case of)
眠いなら、コーヒーを飲んでください。
If it's the case that you are sleepy, please drink some coffee.
質問があるなら、手を挙げてください。
If you have a question, please raise your hand.
日本へ行きたいなら、お金を貯めなきゃ。
If you want to go to Japan, you have to save money. (in the case of)
もう寝ているなら、電話しない方がいい。
If it's the case that he is already sleeping, it's better not to call.
パーティーに来るなら、何か持ってきてね。
If you are coming to the party, please bring something. (if it is the case)
コンビニへ行くなら、牛乳を買ってきてくれない？
If you are going to the convenience store, could you buy some milk for me? (in the case of)
パソコンのことなら、山田さんに任せてください。
When it comes to computers, please leave it to Mr. Yamada. (in the case of)
この本が欲しいなら、貸してあげるよ。
If you want this book, I'll lend it to you. (in the case of)