〜なら — If that is the case | JLPT N4 grammar

Meaning

Introduces advice or a conclusion based on a stated situation or topic.

Formation

Plain form or noun + なら: 京都へ行くなら, 分からないなら
It usually picks up something the other person said or a situation both speakers know; it can open a conversation if the situation is obvious

When to use it

Core use: If that is the case

Examples

20 sentences

京都きょうとへ行くいくなら秋あきがいいです
If you are going to Kyoto, autumn is best.
分からわからないなら先生せんせいに聞いきいてください
If you do not understand, ask the teacher.
新鮮しんせんなすしを食べるたべるなら港みなとの店みせがおすすめです
If you want fresh sushi, I recommend the restaurant by the harbor.
静かしずかな場所ばしょなら森もりの図書館としょかんがいいですよ
If you want a quiet place, the library by the woods is nice.
猫ねこが好きすきなら駅前えきまえの猫ねこカフェへ行きいきませんか
If you like cats, shall we go to the cat café by the station?
一人ひとりで旅行りょこうするならこの小さいちいさい宿やどが安心あんしんです
If you are traveling alone, this small inn is a safe choice.
京都きょうとのお土産おみやげなら抹茶まっちゃのお菓子おかしが人気にんきです
For a Kyoto souvenir, matcha sweets are popular.
安いやすいホテルなら駅えきの西口にしぐちに二つふたつあります
If you want an inexpensive hotel, there are two by the station's west exit.

12 more examples

日本語にほんごが上手じょうずになりたいなら毎日まいにち声こえに出してだして練習しましょうれんしゅうしましょう
If you want to improve your Japanese, practise aloud every day.
疲れつかれているなら今日きょうは無理むりをしないでください
If you are tired, do not push yourself today.
京都きょうとへ行くいくならこのお寺おてらがおすすめです
If you are going to Kyoto, I recommend this temple.
日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうするなら毎日まいにち少しすこし読むよむといいです
If you are studying Japanese, reading a little every day helps.
車くるまならここに止めとめられます
If you are coming by car, you can park here.
暑いあついなら窓まどを開けあけましょう
If you are hot, let's open the window.
その本ほんなら図書館としょかんにあります
If you mean that book, it is in the library.
時間じかんがないならタクシーで行きいきましょう
If you have no time, let's take a taxi.
静かしずかならここで勉強べんきょうしたいです
If it is quiet, I would like to study here.
お土産おみやげを買うかうなら駅えきの店みせが便利べんりです
If you want souvenirs, the station shop is convenient.
辛いからい物ものが苦手にがてならこの料理りょうりがいいです
If spicy food is not for you, this dish is a good choice.
もう終わったおわったなら先さきに帰っかえってもいいです
If you have finished, you may go home first.

Important notes

なら takes up a premise, often something just mentioned by the listener.

Common mistakes

It need not mean after: 日本へ行くなら、切符を買っておこう concerns preparation before going.

Check yourself

Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.

Sentence 1: 日本語にほんごが上手じょうずになりたいなら毎日まいにち声こえに出してだして練習しましょうれんしゅうしましょう After doing my homework, I watch TV.If you want to improve your Japanese, practise aloud every day.We practiced Japanese while waiting for the train.
Sentence 2: その本ほんなら図書館としょかんにあります If you mean that book, it is in the library.After reading this book, I will write my thoughts.I study while listening to music.
Sentence 3: もう終わったおわったなら先さきに帰っかえってもいいです If you have finished, you may go home first.The child came home singing a song.After eating breakfast, I go to school.

Similar grammar

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