なら
also: ならば
Meanings
auxiliary
if; in the case that
Hypothetical form of the copula だ, used to mark a condition or supposition. Often attaches to nouns, na-adjectives, and plain-form clauses.
If it rains tomorrow, the game will be canceled.
If he's coming, I'll go too.
auxiliary
as for; on the topic of
Only with reading なら
Used with なら to single out a topic, often with a contrastive or emphatic nuance. Restricted to the reading なら.
As for Japanese food, I like sushi the best.
Colloquial abbreviation of それなら, used as a conjunction to respond to a preceding statement.
See also: それなら
"Tomorrow is a day off." "If so, want to go to a movie?"
if possible; if circumstances allow
Only with reading ならば
Used with ならば to express a conditional wish or suggestion. Slightly formal or literary.
If possible, I'd like to see you again.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉なら〈事〉as for X, ...(used to single out a topic)
If it's a car you want, that shop is good.
- 〈動詞〉なら〈事〉if (someone) is going to do ~, then ...
If you're going, get ready quickly.
- 〈形容詞〉なら〈事〉if (something) is ~, then ...
If it's quiet, I can study.
- できるならば〈事〉if possible, ...
If it had been possible, I would have wanted you to come earlier.