Japanese Conditional Nara (～なら): The Contextual 'If'
nara to respond to context, offer advice, or make suggestions based on what someone else just said.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use ～なら to introduce a topic or condition based on information just received or observed.
- Use it to give advice: {明日|あした} {行く|いく}なら、{傘|かさ}を{持|も}って{行|い}って。
- Use it to confirm information: {日本|にほん}に{住|す}んでいるなら、{日本語|にほんご}が{話|はな}せますね。
- Use it to shift topics: {映画|えいが}なら、{昨日|きのう} {見|み}ましたよ。
Overview
The Japanese conditional nara (～なら) functions uniquely as a contextual conditional, signaling a response or statement that specifically addresses a previously introduced or assumed topic. Unlike its counterparts to, ba, and tara which often introduce new conditions or denote sequential actions, nara operates on the premise that the preceding information is already established within the conversational sphere. It essentially means "if it's X you're talking about" or "given the context of X." This makes nara invaluable for offering targeted advice, expressing opinions, or providing details highly specific to the given subject.
For instance, if someone mentions their desire to visit 京都 (Kyoto), your response "京都なら..." (If it's Kyoto [you're discussing]...) immediately frames your subsequent advice as relevant only to Kyoto, leveraging the shared understanding of the topic. nara is not about creating a new hypothetical, but about reacting to an existing one.
How This Grammar Works
nara functions as a topic-shifting conditional. It takes a piece of information — which could be a noun, adjective, or verb phrase — and highlights it as the specific subject or condition for the following clause. The crucial linguistic principle here is that the antecedent of nara is always considered to be already known, assumed, or stated by either the speaker or the listener.nara inherently reactive. Think of it as placing a spotlight on the preceding idea: "Regarding X, then Y." This differs significantly from tara (which implies completion or sequence: "When X happens, then Y") or ba (which sets up general logical conditions: "If X, then Y logically").映画を観る (to see a movie) isn't a new hypothetical; it's a known or inferred possibility that the speaker is now reacting to with a recommendation.nara often contains suggestions, opinions, or specific information that becomes relevant only because of the established condition.Formation Pattern
nara is notably straightforward, reflecting its role as a contextual marker rather than a deeply conjugating form. It attaches directly to the plain form of various word types. This simplicity makes it one of the more accessible conditionals.
なら (nara) | 東京なら ({とうきょう}なら) | 東京なら ({とうきょう}なら) |
なら (nara) | 静かなら ({しずか}なら) | 静かなら ({しずか}なら) |
なら (nara) | 高いなら ({たかい}なら) | 高いなら ({たかい}なら) |
なら (nara) | 読むなら ({よむ}なら) | 読むなら ({よむ}なら) |
Ta-form + なら (nara) | 読んだなら ({よんだ}なら) | 読んだなら ({よんだ}なら) |
じゃないなら (janai nara) | 学生じゃないなら ({がくせい}じゃないなら) | 学生じゃないなら ({がくせい}じゃないなら) |
くないなら (kunai nara) | 難しくないなら ({むずかしくない}なら) | 難しくないなら ({むずかしくない}なら) |
ない-form) + なら (nara) | 行かないなら ({いかない}なら) | 行かないなら ({いかない}なら) |
naraba (～ならば): While grammatically related and conveying a similar meaning, naraba is a significantly more formal, archaic, or literary variant. In modern spoken and most written Japanese, nara is the universally preferred and natural choice. Using naraba in casual conversation would sound unusually stiff or even theatrical.
When To Use It
nara is deployed when you need to react to an existing piece of information or a proposition from your conversation partner, tailoring your response specifically to that context. Its applications are distinct and powerful.- 1Providing Advice or Suggestions Based on Stated Intentions or Topics: This is the most quintessential use of
nara. When someone declares a plan, desire, or topic of discussion,naraallows you to immediately offer relevant input. The condition is not being questioned or established; it's accepted as the current conversational frame.
- A: "今度、韓国に旅行に行きたいな。" (Kondo, Kankoku ni ryokō ni ikitai na. - Next time, I want to travel to Korea.)
- B: "韓国に行くなら、明洞が{おすすめ}だよ。" (Kankoku ni iku nara, Myeongdong ga osusume da yo. - If you're going to Korea, Myeongdong is recommended.) Here, B's advice is specific to the "going to Korea" plan.
- "日本酒を飲むなら、獺祭が美味しいよ。" (Nihonshu o nomu nara, Dassai ga oishii yo. - If you're going to drink sake, Dassai is delicious.) This implies the speaker assumes the listener is considering sake, and offers a recommendation.
- 1Limiting Scope or Specifying a Condition: Use
narato narrow a general statement or clarify the specific conditions under which something applies. It often carries an implicit sense of "only if..." or "as long as it's X."
- "漢字は読めないけど、ひらがななら読めます。" (Kanji wa yomenai kedo, Hiragana nara yomemasu. - I can't read Kanji, but if it's Hiragana, I can read it.) This clearly defines the boundary of the speaker's ability.
- "今日は忙しいけど、明日なら時間があるよ。" (Kyō wa isogashii kedo, ashita nara jikan ga aru yo. - I'm busy today, but if it's tomorrow, I have time.) The availability is strictly for "tomorrow."
- 1Confirming or Acting on an Assumption About a Future Action:
narais particularly adept at handling future actions that are still potential or under discussion, but are treated as a given for the sake of the current conversation. This allows you to make requests or give instructions proactively.
- "買い物に行くなら、牛乳を買ってきてくれる？" (Kaimono ni iku nara, gyūnyū o kattekite kureru? - If you're going shopping, could you buy some milk?) The shopping trip is a possibility, and the request is contingent on that.
- "留学するなら、早めに準備した方が{いい}よ。" (Ryūgaku suru nara, hayame ni junbi shita hō ga ii yo. - If you're going to study abroad, it's better to prepare early.) The advice is given before the study abroad happens, based on the stated or implied intention.
- 1Relaying Information or Referring to a Specific Topic/Entity: When responding to a question about a particular person or thing,
naraframes your answer, essentially meaning "speaking of X..." or "as for X...".
- A: "田中さんはどこですか？" (Tanaka-san wa doko desu ka? - Where is Tanaka-san?)
- B: "田中さんなら、会議室にいますよ。" (Tanaka-san nara, kaigishitsu ni imasu yo. - If it's Tanaka-san [you're asking about], he's in the meeting room.)
naraclearly marks Tanaka-san as the topic of the response.
- 1Hypothetical Statements Based on Established Facts (
ta-form +nara): Whennarafollows theta-form of a verb, it signifies that the preceding event is accepted as a fact, and the subsequent statement is a logical deduction or consequence based on that accepted truth.
- "彼が言ったなら、本当だろう。" (Kare ga itta nara, hontō darō. - If it's true that he said it, then it's probably true.) The speaker treats "he said it" as a given for the purpose of drawing a conclusion.
- "彼が結婚したなら、驚きだ。" (Kare ga kekkon shita nara, odoroki da. - If it's true he got married, that's surprising.) The surprise is contingent on the veracity of the marriage report.
When Not To Use It
nara's boundaries is key to avoiding unnatural or incorrect Japanese. It's a specialized tool, not a universal "if."- 1For Automatic or Universal Consequences (
to): Do not usenarato describe natural laws, inevitable outcomes, or habitual actions that are direct and automatic consequences of a condition. For these,to(～と) is the appropriate conditional.
- Incorrect: "水を100度に熱するなら、沸騰する。" (If you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.) – Sounds like a suggestion.
- Correct: "水を100度に熱すると、沸騰する。" (Mizu o hyakudo ni nessuru to, futtō suru. - When you heat water to 100 degrees, it boils.)
- 1For General Hypothetical Conditions or Cause-Effect Where the Condition is Not Contextually Given (
ba/tara): If you are introducing a new, general hypothetical "if-then" statement, especially one where the first clause directly enables or causes the second,ba(～ば) ortara(～たら) are usually better choices.nararequires the condition to be an existing topic or assumption.
- Incorrect: "お金が{ある}なら、車を買う。" (If I have money, I'll buy a car.) – This sounds like you're reacting to someone stating, "You have money."
- Correct (General Hypothetical): "お金があれば、車を買う。" (Okane ga areba, kuruma o kau. - If I had money, I'd buy a car.)
- Correct (Sequential/Decisive): "お金があったら、車を買う。" (Okane ga attara, kuruma o kau. - If/When I get money, I'll buy a car.)
- 1For Direct Sequential Actions Where the First Action is a Prerequisite (
tara): When the second action can only occur after the completion of the first, and there's a strong temporal or cause-and-effect link,tarais the correct conditional.naradoes not convey this sense of sequential completion.
- Incorrect: "家に帰るなら、電話します。" (If I return home, I'll call.) – Implies "If it's returning home you're talking about, I'll call," which is grammatically awkward as a direct sequence.
- Correct: "家に帰たら、電話します。" (Ie ni kaettara, denwa shimasu. - After I return home, I'll call.)
- 1When the Condition is Purely Speaker-Internal and Not Based on Shared Context:
narathrives on shared information or assumptions. If the "if" clause is a brand new, unprompted hypothetical from the speaker's internal thoughts,narawill sound out of place. It needs a conversational trigger.
- Incorrect (out of the blue): "雨が降るなら、傘を持って行こう。" (If it rains, I'll take an umbrella.) – Lacks the external prompt.
- Correct (responding to a weather report): "雨が降るなら、傘を持って行こう。" (Ame ga furu nara, kasa o motte ikō. - If it's going to rain [as we just heard], I'll take an umbrella.) The context makes
naranatural. For a general "if it rains,"baortarawould be more appropriate.
Common Mistakes
nara due to its superficial resemblance to other conditionals. Mastering nara means understanding these common pitfalls.- 1Confusing
narawithtarafor Sequential Events: This is perhaps the most prevalent error.taraexplicitly indicates that the action in its clause must be completed before the main clause can occur.nara, however, typically refers to a future or potential action currently under consideration or discussion, not a completed prerequisite.
- Error: "日本に行くなら、寿司を食べた。" (If I went to Japan, I ate sushi.) – This is contradictory;
narawith a past consequence for a future/potential action is incorrect. - Correction: "日本に行ったら、寿司を食べた。" (Nihon ni ittara, sushi o tabeta. - When I went to Japan, I ate sushi.)
taracorrectly conveys the sequence. - Correct
narausage (future advice): "日本に行くなら、寿司を食べた方が{いい}よ。" (Nihon ni iku nara, sushi o tabeta hō ga ii yo. - If you're going to Japan, you should eat sushi.) Here,naraprovides advice for a future trip.
- 1Using
narafor General Conditional Statements without Preceding Context:narasounds unnatural when the "if" clause introduces an entirely new, unprompted hypothetical. It requires its antecedent to be an established topic.
- Error: "お金があったなら、世界一周したい。" (If I had money, I want to travel the world.) – No preceding mention of "money."
- Correction: "お金があれば、世界一周したい。" (Okane ga areba, sekai isshū shitai. - If I had money, I want to travel the world.)
bais suitable for general hypothetical statements. - Contextual
nara: A: "宝くじが当たったら、どうする？" (Takarakuji ga atattara, dō suru? - If you win the lottery, what will you do?) B: "お金が{ある}なら、世界一周したいね。" (Okane ga aru nara, sekai isshū shitai ne. - If I have money [in that scenario], I'd like to travel the world.) Here, the context of winning money makesnaraappropriate.
- 1Applying
naraWhen the Condition is an Automatic or Logical Outcome: Remember thatnaraimplies a specific focus or reaction, not an inevitable natural law or general truth. For such cases,tois the correct particle.
- Error: "赤信号になるなら、車は止まる。" (If the light turns red, cars stop.)
- Correction: "赤信号になると、車は止まる。" (Akashingō ni naru to, kuruma wa tomaru. - When the traffic light turns red, cars stop.)
- 1Misunderstanding the Scope of
ta-form +nara: Whileta-form +narameans "if it's true that X happened," it still operates withinnara's framework of reacting to known information. It's not a generic past conditional.
- Error: (Wanting to say "If I had eaten, I would have been full") "食べたなら、お腹が{いっぱい}だった。" – This would literally mean "If it's true that I ate, then I was full," which is not the intended hypothetical.
- Correction: "食べたら、お腹が{いっぱい}だった。" (Tabetara, onaka ga ippai datta. - If I had eaten, I would have been full / When I ate, I was full.)
tarais appropriate for past hypothetical or completed sequences. - Correct
ta-form +nara: A: "彼がケーキを全部食べたって本当？" (Kare ga kēki o zenbu tabeta tte hontō? - Is it true he ate the whole cake?) B: "彼が食べたなら、仕方ないね。" (Kare ga tabeta nara, shikata nai ne. - If it's true that he ate it, then it can't be helped.) Here,ta-form +naracorrectly reacts to the reported past event.
Real Conversations
nara is exceptionally common in daily Japanese, reflecting its utility in contextual communication. It allows for natural, responsive dialogue across various registers, from casual chat to more formal written exchanges.
Scenario 1
```
A
(Kondo, Okinawa ni ikitai n'da.)
(Next time, I want to go to Okinawa.)
B
(Okinawa ni iku nara, Churaumi Suizokukan wa zettai ni itta hō ga ii yo.)
(If you're going to Okinawa, you absolutely should go to Churaumi Aquarium.)
```
Here, B picks up on A's stated intention to go to Okinawa and immediately offers relevant advice. nara makes the suggestion directly applicable to A's expressed plan.
Scenario 2
```
A
(Kono shiryō, yonde moraemasu ka?)
(Could you read this document for me?)
B
(Eigo no shiryō nara, yomemasu ga, Chūgokugo wa chotto...)
(If it's an English document, I can read it, but Chinese is a bit difficult...)
```
B clarifies their capability, using nara to specify the condition under which they can help, implicitly stating that other conditions (like Chinese documents) are outside their ability.
Scenario 3
```
Friend 1
(Ashita no bangohan, dō suru?)
(What about dinner tomorrow?)
Friend 2
(Ie de taberu nara, nabe ni shinai?)
(If we're eating at home, how about hot pot?)
```
Friend 2 assumes they might eat at home based on previous discussions or typical plans and makes a suggestion contingent on that assumption. The condition (ie de taberu) is not yet a decided fact but a strong possibility being discussed.
Scenario 4
```
鈴木さん
部長から連絡がありました。
明後日の会議の件なら、時間が10時から11時に変更になったそうです。
ご確認ください。
(Suzuki-san
Buchō kara renraku ga arimashita.
Asatte no kaigi no ken nara, jikan ga jūji kara jūichiji ni henkō ni natta sō desu.
Go kakunin kudasai.)
(Mr./Ms. Suzuki,
I received a message from the manager.
If it's about the day after tomorrow's meeting, the time has apparently changed from 10 to 11.
Please confirm.)
```
The sender uses nara to specifically refer to the "matter of the meeting the day after tomorrow" as the topic their relayed information pertains to, making the email clear and concise.
Progressive Practice
To master nara, practice building sentences progressively, starting with simple structures and gradually adding complexity. This approach reinforces the core concept and its applications.
Simple Noun + nara + Suggestion:
- "コーヒーなら、新宿に良いカフェがあるよ。" (Kōhī nara, Shinjuku ni yoi kafe ga aru yo. - If it's coffee [you want], there's a good cafe in Shinjuku.)
- "映画なら、今はアクション映画が人気だね。" (Eiga nara, ima wa akushon eiga ga ninki da ne. - If it's movies [you're talking about], action movies are popular now.)
I-Adjective + nara + Opinion/Consequence:
- "高いなら、他の店も見てみよう。" (Takai nara, hoka no mise mo mite miyō. - If it's expensive, let's try looking at other stores.)
- "美味しいなら、もっと買って帰りたい。" (Oishii nara, motto katte kaeritai. - If it's delicious, I want to buy more and take it home.)
Verb (Dictionary Form) + nara + Advice for Future Action:
- "留学するなら、JLPTの勉強を始めた方が{いい}よ。" (Ryūgaku suru nara, JLPT no benkyō o hajimeta hō ga ii yo. - If you're going to study abroad, you should start studying for the JLPT.)
- "明日から出張するなら、今夜は早めに寝た方が{いい}。" (Ashita kara shutchō suru nara, kon'ya wa hayame ni neta hō ga ii. - If you're going on a business trip starting tomorrow, it's better to sleep early tonight.)
Verb (Ta-form) + nara + Logical Consequence/Deduction:
- "彼がもう食べたなら、私は別のものを用意するよ。" (Kare ga mō tabeta nara, watashi wa betsu no mono o yōi suru yo. - If it's true he already ate, I'll prepare something else.)
- "去年N2に合格したなら、今年はN1に挑戦してみたら？" (Kyonen N2 ni gōkaku shita nara, kotoshi wa N1 ni chōsen shite mitara? - If it's true you passed N2 last year, why don't you try N1 this year?)
Integrating Negatives:
- "忙しくないなら、手伝ってくれる？" (Isogashikunai nara, tetsudatte kureru? - If you're not busy, could you help me?)
- "嫌じゃないなら、一緒に行こう。" (Iya janai nara, issho ni ikō. - If you don't mind, let's go together.)
Quick FAQ
naraba the same as nara?Functionally, yes, naraba (～ならば) conveys the same contextual "if." However, naraba is considerably more formal, archaic, and less common in contemporary spoken Japanese. It might be encountered in classical literature, formal speeches, or very stiff written documents. For everyday conversation and most modern writing, nara is the standard and preferred form. Using naraba in casual conversation would sound highly unnatural and archaic.
nara be used for questions?Absolutely. When nara precedes a question, it frames the question within the context of the established premise. It's a very natural way to ask for confirmation or further details based on what has been said.
- "明日なら空いてる？" (Ashita nara aiteru? - If it's tomorrow [we're talking about], are you free?) This asks about availability specifically concerning tomorrow, implying other days might be different.
- "彼が行くなら、私も行ってもいい？" (Kare ga iku nara, watashi mo itte mo ii? - If he's going, can I go too?) This question about the speaker's attendance is contingent on the male person's (彼) going.
nara always refer to future events?Not exclusively. While nara is frequently used with dictionary-form verbs to discuss future or potential actions based on current intentions (e.g., "日本に行くなら..." - If you're going to Japan...), it can also refer to existing states or past events when paired with nouns, adjectives, or ta-form verbs.
- "学生なら、割引があるよ。" (Gakusei nara, waribiki ga aru yo. - If you're a student [existing state], there's a discount.)
- "彼が食べたなら、本当だろう。" (Kare ga tabeta nara, hontō darō. - If it's true that he ate [past event, now an established premise], then it's probably true.)
Nara Conjugation Table
| Word Type | Example | Form |
|---|---|---|
|
Noun
|
Gakusei
|
Gakusei nara
|
|
Na-Adjective
|
Shizuka
|
Shizuka nara
|
|
I-Adjective
|
Oishii
|
Oishii nara
|
|
Verb (Plain)
|
Iku
|
Iku nara
|
|
Verb (Past)
|
Itta
|
Itta nara
|
|
Negative
|
Ikanai
|
Ikanai nara
|
Meanings
The conditional 'nara' is used to create a condition based on a topic or situation that has been introduced or is currently under discussion.
Topic Introduction
Introducing a new topic to discuss.
“{寿司|すし}なら、{銀座|ぎんざ}の{店|みせ}が{有名|ゆうめい}です。”
“{日本語|にほんご}なら、{少|すこ}し{分|わ}かります。”
Advice/Suggestion
Giving advice based on the listener's situation.
“{疲|つか}れているなら、{休|やす}んだ{方|ほう}がいいですよ。”
“{時間|じかん}がないなら、タクシーを{使|つか}いましょう。”
Confirmation
Confirming a fact to base further statements on it.
“{明日|あした} {暇|ひま}なら、{遊|あそ}びませんか。”
“{学生|がくせい}なら、{学割|がくわり}が{使|つか}えます。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Plain + nara
|
Iku nara
|
|
Negative
|
Negative + nara
|
Ikanai nara
|
|
Past
|
Past + nara
|
Itta nara
|
|
Noun
|
Noun + nara
|
Ame nara
|
|
Question
|
Topic + nara + Question?
|
Kore nara ii?
|
|
Polite
|
Polite + nara
|
Ikimasu nara
|
Formality Spectrum
{店|みせ}へ{行|い}くなら、{牛乳|ぎゅうにゅう}を{買|か}ってください。 (Shopping request)
{店|みせ}へ{行|い}くなら、{牛乳|ぎゅうにゅう}を{買|か}って。 (Shopping request)
{店|みせ}へ{行|い}くなら、{牛乳|ぎゅうにゅう} {買|か}ってきて。 (Shopping request)
{店|みせ} {行|い}くなら、{牛乳|ぎゅうにゅう} {買|か}って！ (Shopping request)
Nara Usage Map
Advice
- Yasumu Rest
Topic
- Sushi Sushi
Confirmation
- Hontou True
Nara vs Tara
Examples by Level
{日本|にほん} {料理|りょうり}なら、{寿司|すし}が{好|す}きです。
If we are talking about Japanese food, I like sushi.
{明日|あした}なら、{大丈夫|だいじょうぶ}です。
If it is tomorrow, that is fine.
{彼|かれ}なら、{知|し}っています。
If it is him, he knows.
{雨|あめ}なら、{行|い}きません。
If it is rain, I will not go.
{時間|じかん}があるなら、{手伝|てつだ}ってください。
If you have time, please help me.
{安|やす}いなら、{買|か}います。
If it is cheap, I will buy it.
{日本語|にほんご}なら、{少|すこ}し{話|はな}せます。
If it is Japanese, I can speak a little.
{忙|いそが}しいなら、また{今度|こんど}にしましょう。
If you are busy, let's do it another time.
{京都|きょうと}へ{行|い}くなら、{金閣寺|きんかくじ}は{必見|ひっけん}です。
If you are going to Kyoto, Kinkakuji is a must-see.
{彼|かれ}の{意見|いけん}なら、{聞|き}く{価値|かち}があります。
If it is his opinion, it is worth listening to.
{本当|ほんとう}なら、{驚|おどろ}きです。
If that is true, it is surprising.
{新|あたら}しい{車|くるま}なら、{燃費|ねんぴ}がいいはずです。
If it is a new car, the fuel efficiency should be good.
{予算|よさん}が{限|かぎ}られているなら、このプランを{検討|けんとう}すべきです。
If the budget is limited, you should consider this plan.
{彼|かれ}が{来|く}ないなら、{会議|かいぎ}を{延期|えんき}しましょう。
If he is not coming, let's postpone the meeting.
{自分|じぶん}で{作|つく}るなら、{材料|ざいりょう}を{買|か}わなければなりません。
If you are making it yourself, you must buy the ingredients.
{有名|ゆうめい}な{作家|さっか}なら、{読|よ}んだことがあるかもしれません。
If he is a famous author, you might have read his work.
{彼|かれ}の{実績|じっせき}なら、{昇進|しょうしん}は{確実|かくじつ}でしょう。
Given his track record, his promotion is certain.
{環境|かんきょう}を{考|かんが}えるなら、{再利用|さいりよう}が{不可欠|ふかけつ}です。
If we are considering the environment, recycling is essential.
{歴史|れきし}を{知|し}るなら、この{場所|ばしょ}の{意味|いみ}が{分|わ}かります。
If you know the history, you understand the significance of this place.
{解決|かいけつ}するなら、{根本的|こんぽんてき}な{対策|たいさく}が{必要|ひつよう}です。
If we are to solve it, fundamental measures are necessary.
{彼|かれ}の{性格|せいかく}なら、{黙|だま}って{見守|みまも}るでしょう。
Given his personality, he will likely watch silently.
{時代|じだい}の{流|なが}れなら、{変化|へんか}は{避|さ}けられません。
If it is the flow of the era, change is unavoidable.
{芸術|げいじゅつ}なら、{解釈|かいしゃく}は{人|ひと}それぞれです。
If it is art, the interpretation is up to the individual.
{彼|かれ}の{言葉|ことば}なら、{裏|うら}があるかもしれません。
If it is his words, there might be a hidden meaning.
Easily Confused
Both translate to 'if', but tara is for time/sequence, nara is for topic.
Ba is for general conditions/hypotheticals, nara is for specific context.
To is for inevitable results, nara is for contextual conditions.
Common Mistakes
Ame ga furu nara, kasa o motsu.
Ame ga futtara, kasa o motsu.
Taberu nara, oishii.
Tabetara, oishii.
Iku nara, iku.
Iku nara, ikimasu.
Nara iku.
Iku nara.
Kirei nara, kirei desu.
Kirei nara, ii desu ne.
Nara taberu.
Taberu nara.
Takai nara, kawanai.
Takai nara, kawanai hou ga ii.
Ashita nara, iku tsumori.
Ashita nara, iku tsumori desu.
Nara, sore wa chigau.
Sore nara, chigaimasu.
Kare nara, shiranai.
Kare nara, shitte iru hazu desu.
Nara, kangaeru.
Sore nara, kangaete mimashou.
Kare nara, kureta.
Kare nara, kureta kamo shirenai.
Nara, koto ga aru.
Sore nara, koto ga arimasu.
Sentence Patterns
___ nara, ___ desu.
___ nara, ___ hou ga ii desu.
___ nara, ___ kamo shirenai.
___ nara, ___ wa fukaketsu desu.
Real World Usage
Ashita nara, ii yo!
Kono joken nara, ukeiremasu.
Kono setto nara, o-toku desu.
Kyoto nara, bus ga benri.
Kore nara, shitteru!
Yosan nara, mondai arimasen.
Focus on the Topic
Avoid Temporal Use
Use for Advice
Polite Framing
Smart Tips
Use 'nara' to frame your advice based on the listener's situation.
Start your sentence with the topic + nara.
Use 'nara' to confirm a premise before proceeding.
Use 'nara' to highlight specific attributes.
Pronunciation
Nara
Pronounced as 'na-ra' with a flat pitch on the 'na'.
Rising intonation
Nara?
Used when asking for confirmation.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Nara is like a 'Navigation' system for your conversation—it helps you steer the topic.
Visual Association
Imagine a signpost in a forest. One path is labeled 'Sushi', another 'Travel'. When you say 'Sushi nara', you are pointing at the 'Sushi' sign.
Rhyme
When the topic is clear, use Nara to steer.
Story
Ken is talking about his trip. He says 'I'm going to Hokkaido.' You reply 'Hokkaido nara, eat crab!' You used 'nara' to connect your advice to his specific topic.
Word Web
Challenge
For the next 5 minutes, respond to every question using '...nara' to provide a specific suggestion.
Cultural Notes
Nara is essential for polite indirectness. It allows speakers to suggest things without being pushy.
In Kansai, you might hear 'nara' used similarly, but often with 'nara' as a sentence-ending filler.
Using 'nara' helps in negotiations by framing conditions clearly without sounding aggressive.
Nara comes from the classical Japanese 'naraba', which was the conditional form of the copula 'nari'.
Conversation Starters
What would you do if you went to Japan?
If you had a free day, what would you do?
If you were the boss, what would you change?
If you had to choose one hobby, what would it be?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Kyoto ___ , bus ga benri desu.
If it is cheap, I will buy it.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ame ga furu nara, kasa o motsu.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
If you are busy, let's do it later.
Answer starts with: Iso...
A: I'm going to Tokyo. B: ___
Topic: Weather. Comment: I will stay home.
Which is for topic?
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesKyoto ___ , bus ga benri desu.
If it is cheap, I will buy it.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ame ga furu nara, kasa o motsu.
nara / sushi / oishii / desu
If you are busy, let's do it later.
A: I'm going to Tokyo. B: ___
Topic: Weather. Comment: I will stay home.
Which is for topic?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises日本に ( go ) なら、秋がいいですよ。(If you go to Japan, autumn is good.)
Match the left side to the logical right side.
Arrange these: [お茶を] [なら] [飲む] [緑茶が] [美味しい]
Select the best start for B's reply.
Use `takai` (expensive) and `kau` (buy).
静かだなら、勉強できます。
大阪へ行く___、たこ焼きを食べてね。(If you go to Osaka, eat takoyaki.)
A: 'Is Ken here?' B: 'If it's Ken, he went home.'
Arrange: [それ] [一緒] [なら] [行こう] [に]
Use 'isogashii' and 'ato de'.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, nara is specifically for topics. Use tara for time.
It is neutral and used in both casual and formal settings.
You don't! Just add it to the plain form.
Because it relies on the context of the conversation.
Yes, e.g., 'Itta nara' (If you went).
Yes, 'ba' is for general hypothetical conditions.
Yes, it is very common for polite suggestions.
It's okay! Most people will understand, but tara is better for events.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Si + [indicative/subjunctive]
Japanese has multiple 'if' words based on context.
Si + [present/imperfect]
Nara is strictly for topics.
Wenn
Nara is a discourse marker.
Idha / Law
Nara is not about reality vs hypothesis.
Ruguo
Nara is a particle-like conditional.
Tara / Ba / To
Nara is for context.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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