ものなら

expression

if I could; if we could

Expresses a hypothetical wish or desire, often with a sense of 'if only I could...'. Follows the volitional form of a verb (e.g., 行けるものなら).

• 行いけるものなら、もう一いち度どあの場ば所しょに行いきたい。

  If I could go, I'd like to visit that place one more time.

• やれるものならやってみろ。

  If you can do it, just try.

expression

if one were to ... then ... (unpleasant result)

Used in the pattern ...うものなら, ...ようものなら, or ...まいものなら. It implies that if someone dares to do something, a bad consequence will follow. Often carries a warning or threatening tone.

• 彼かれに逆さからおうものなら、すぐに首くびになるだろう。

  If you dare to defy him, you'll probably be fired immediately.

• そんなことを言いおうものなら、彼かの女じょは怒おこり出だすに違ちがいない。

  If you were to say such a thing, she would definitely get angry.