You use this to talk about something already mentioned. It helps you add a comment or suggestion about that topic.
Noun + ならPrimary
Verb [dictionary form] + なら
い-Adjective + なら
な-Adjective + なら
You use this to talk about something already mentioned. It helps you add a comment or suggestion about that topic.
A: 明日、京都に行くんだけど。 B: 京都なら、金閣寺がおすすめだよ。
A: I'm going to Kyoto tomorrow. B: If you're talking about Kyoto, I recommend Kinkaku-ji.
A: 旅行に行きたいね。 B: お金がないなら、無理だよ。
A: I want to go on a trip. B: If you don't have money, it's impossible.
A: 昨日、山田さんに会った？ B: 山田さんなら、さっきまでここにいたよ。
A: Did you see Yamada-san yesterday? B: As for Yamada-san, he was here until just a moment ago.
A: 今から映画を見に行かない？ B: 見に行くなら、ポップコーンを買おう！
A: Wanna go see a movie now? B: If we're going, let's buy popcorn!
A: このプロジェクト、誰に任せようか。 B: 鈴木さんなら。
A: Who should we entrust this project to? B: If it's Suzuki-san... (implying they are the right person).
This is different from other words for "if". Other "if" words talk about actions or wishes. This word is always about a specific thing already mentioned.
Don't use this when something happens naturally. For example, you can't say "If it becomes spring, flowers bloom" using なら. Flowers bloom naturally in spring.
Use this when you want to talk about something someone just said. It helps you respond to them. You use their words to start your own sentence.
Often confused with(1)
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