N4 · Structured courses

Nara Conditional: If It's...

Learn なら for picking up a topic and giving specific advice or judgment about it. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn なら for picking up a topic and giving specific advice or judgment about it.
  • Form and connection: [Noun/句子] なら、[建议/判断]
  • Nuance in real use: なら is the most conversational of the four conditionals — it always responds to someone, as if saying "since you brought that up, here's what I think..."

Form and connection

[Noun/句子] なら、[建议/判断]

Core Explanation

Learn なら for picking up a topic and giving specific advice or judgment about it.

Cultural Note

なら is the most conversational of the four conditionals — it always responds to someone, as if saying "since you brought that up, here's what I think..."

Practical examples

If it's Japanese, I recommend this dictionary.
If it's cheap, I'll buy it.
If you're busy, later is fine.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun/句子] なら、[建议/判断]
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerIf it's Japanese, I recommend this dictionary.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer忙いそがしいなら、後あとでいいですよ。 ([Noun/句子] なら、[建议/判断])

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