Translation guide
The English phrase "if not" is used in several distinct ways: to introduce a negative condition, to suggest a possible alternative, or to express a degree of something. This guide covers the most common Japanese equivalents for each use.
To express 'if something is not the case' or 'unless'.
The standard conditional form for negative verbs and adjectives. Attach to the negative stem (nai-form without ない).
急がなければ、遅れますよ。
If you don't hurry, you'll be late.
安くなければ買いません。
If it's not cheap, I won't buy it.
To introduce a possible alternative, often meaning 'or perhaps' or 'or even'.
To express that something is at least a certain degree, or possibly more. Often used with adjectives.
Means 'even if not...', 'if not...'. Used to concede a point while still asserting something.
完璧ではないにしても、かなり良い出来だ。
If not perfect, it's still a pretty good result.
While もし can be used with negative conditionals, it is often omitted in natural Japanese. Overusing もし can sound unnatural or overly formal.
急がないと遅れる。
If you don't hurry, you'll be late.
A more casual conditional, often implying obligation or negative consequence. Used in spoken Japanese.
早く行かないと、間に合わないよ。
If we don't go soon, we won't make it.
Similar to ～なければ, but slightly more formal or emphatic. Often used in writing.
許可がなくては入れません。
If you don't have permission, you cannot enter.
Literally 'if not, it won't do', used to express 'must' or 'have to'. This is a fixed phrase for obligation, not a direct conditional.
宿題をしなければならない。
I have to do my homework.
Used to present an alternative possibility. Can be translated as 'or', 'or perhaps', 'if not'.
彼は医者、あるいは弁護士かもしれない。
He might be a doctor, or perhaps a lawyer.
Used in questions to offer alternatives. More direct than あるいは.
コーヒーにしますか、それとも紅茶にしますか。
Will you have coffee, or (if not) tea?
Formal alternative to あるいは, often used in legal or official contexts.
本人もしくは代理人が署名してください。
Please sign by yourself or (if not) by your representative.
Literally 'even if it doesn't go as far as...', used to say 'if not X, at least Y'.
美人とまではいかなくても、愛嬌はある。
If not a beauty, she at least has charm.
Means 'rather', 'if anything'. Used to correct or emphasize a statement.
彼は悲しんでいるというより、むしろ怒っている。
He's not so much sad as angry, if not angry.