Translation guide
A conditional phrase used to introduce a conclusion or course of action based on a previously stated situation. In Japanese, it is expressed through various conditional forms and conjunctions, with the choice depending on formality, certainty, and logical flow.
それなら、行きます。
If that's the case, I'll go.
To state a natural consequence or decision when a certain situation holds true.
A common and natural way to say 'if that's the case' in conversation. It directly refers back to what was just said and introduces a conclusion or suggestion.
A: 明日は雨らしいよ。B: それなら、傘を持っていくね。
A: It seems it will rain tomorrow. B: If that's the case, I'll bring an umbrella.
A more casual version of それなら, often used in spoken Japanese. It can sound slightly abrupt, so it's best with friends or in informal settings.
A: この店、閉まってるよ。B: だったら、別の店に行こう。
A: This shop is closed. B: If that's the case, let's go to another shop.
A polite and formal equivalent, often used in business or official contexts. It can also mean 'well then' to transition to a new topic.
それでは、会議を始めましょう。
If that's the case, let's begin the meeting.
Literally 'if it's that kind of thing', used when you want to acknowledge the situation as described and respond accordingly. Slightly more explicit than それなら.
そういうことなら、手伝います。
If that's the case, I'll help.
To express 'if that were the case' when the situation is hypothetical, uncertain, or contrary to fact.
Adds もし (if) for emphasis on the hypothetical nature. It can be used when you are not sure if the condition is true.
もしそうなら、大変なことになる。
If that's the case, it will be a big problem.
A more formal and written expression meaning 'if we assume that is the case'. Often used in logical arguments or analysis.
そうだとすれば、計画を変更する必要がある。
If that's the case, we need to change the plan.
A slightly literary or formal version of そうなら, using the である copula. Not common in everyday speech.
そうであったら、どんなにいいだろう。
If that were the case, how wonderful it would be.
To quickly acknowledge what someone said and react, often in informal conversation.
A very common casual contraction of それでは. It can mean 'well then' or 'if that's the case' depending on context. Often used to move the conversation forward.
A: もう時間がないよ。B: じゃあ、急ごう。
A: We're out of time. B: If that's the case, let's hurry.
Even more casual contraction of それでは, used among close friends. Can sound rough or very informal.
A: これ、まずいよ。B: んじゃ、食べなくていいよ。
A: This tastes bad. B: If that's the case, you don't have to eat it.
All three can translate 'if that's the case', but they differ in formality and nuance. それなら is neutral and safe for most situations. だったら is casual and can sound blunt. それでは is polite and often used as a transition in formal settings. In very casual speech, じゃあ or んじゃ replace それでは.
それなら、問題ない。
If that's the case, no problem. (neutral)
だったら、問題ない。
If that's the case, no problem. (casual/blunt)
それでは、問題ありません。
If that's the case, there is no problem. (polite)
Do not directly translate 'if that's the case' word-for-word as もしそれが場合なら or similar. Such phrases are unnatural in Japanese. Use the set expressions provided.
もしそれが場合なら、行きます。
If that's the case, I'll go. (unnatural, avoid)