Using nara なら

clay's picture

There are several ways to express the meaning behind 'if' in Japanese. なら is one of them. It is a conjunction that means 'if the preceding phrase is true, then...'

It may be best to memorize example sentences.

-i Adjectives: Adjective + なら [You can also use の: -i Adj + の + なら]

高いなら、買わない。

takai nara, kawanai.

If it is expensive, I won't buy it.

面白いなら、見たい。

omoshiroi nara, mitai.
If it is interesting, I want to see it.

Verbs: Plain form + なら [You can also use の: Plain form + の + なら]

あなたが行くなら、私も行きます。

anata ga iku nara, watashi mo ikimasu.
If you are going, I'll go too.

チョコレートを食べるなら、歯をみがきなさい。

chokore-to o taberu nara, ha o migakinasai.
If you are going to eat chocolate, brush your teeth.

お金があるなら、テレビを買いなさい。

okane ga aru nara, terebi o kainasai.
If you have money, go ahead and buy a TV.

Also here are a few common usages with nouns:

あなたなら、できる。

anata nara, dekiru.
If it is you (doing it), you can do it. (it can be done)

大人なら、そんなことはしない。

otona nara, sonna koto wa shinai.
An adult wouldn't do such a thing.
(if it is an adult, the adult wouldn't do such a thing.)

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Nasai

Hi.. where can I find the lesson for " ~ nasai"? Like on the example above...
"kainasai" "shinasai" "migakinasai"

Thank you.. :)

liza ^___~ v

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