Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 3
Core idea
〜なら introduces a condition based on information already known, mentioned, or assumed. It often sounds like 'if that's the case' or 'if you mean X.'
Target signal
京都へ行くなら、秋がおすすめです。
If you're going to Kyoto, autumn is what I recommend.
なら responds to the context 'going to Kyoto.'
Vocabulary notes
- おすすめ
- recommendation
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- なら
- if it is; as for
Compare in context
日本語の本なら、あの店にたくさんあります。
If you're talking about Japanese books, that store has many.
Noun + なら can mean 'as for X' or 'if it's X.'
Vocabulary notes
- あります
- there is; there are
- たくさん
- many; a lot
- 日本語
- Japanese language
Section 2 of 3
Formation and patterns
Attach なら to nouns, verbs, and adjectives in plain form. It is especially common before advice, recommendations, and judgments.
Target signal
疲れているなら、今日は休んだほうがいいです。
If you're tired, you should rest today.
なら often leads into advice like ほうがいい.
Vocabulary notes
- ほうがいい
- it is better to ...; should ...
- ほうがいい
- had better; should
- ている
- to be doing; to be in a resulting state
Preview
車がないなら、電車で行きましょう。
If you don't have a car, let's go by train.
The condition is already part of the conversation.
Vocabulary notes
- ましょう
- let us; shall we
- ない
- not; there is not
- なら
- if it is; as for
Section 3 of 3
Reading and nuance
Compared with たら, なら is less about sequence and more about taking a condition as a topic. It often reacts to what someone just said.
Target signal
A: 新しいパソコンがほしいです。 B: それなら、この店が安いですよ。
A: I want a new computer. B: In that case, this store is cheap.
なら responds directly to previous context.
Vocabulary notes
- ほしいです
- want; would like
- パソコン
- personal computer
- ほしい
- wanted; desired
Preview
忙しいなら、無理しなくてもいいよ。
If you're busy, you don't have to force yourself.
なら often sounds like reacting to what the other person just said.
Vocabulary notes
- なくてもいい
- do not have to; it is okay not to
- てもいい
- may do ...; is it okay to ...?
- しなくて
- without doing