〜なら
if it is ~ (topic conditional)
Show what happens when a condition is met.
Remember it
Think “if this, then that” and bridge them with 〜なら.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜なら」 means "if it is ~ (topic conditional)". Structure: Noun + なら. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Keep the condition and its result clear; the order matters more than a literal translation.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1会議なら、田中さんに聞いてください。
かいぎ なら、たなかさん に きいて ください。
kaigi nara, tanakasan ni kiite kudasai.
If it is about the meeting, please ask Tanaka-san.
Everyday life
Example 2紹介なら、田中さんに聞いてください。
しょうかい なら、たなかさん に きいて ください。
shoukai nara, tanakasan ni kiite kudasai.
If it is about the introduction, please ask Tanaka-san.
Everyday life
Example 3経験なら、田中さんに聞いてください。
けいけん なら、たなかさん に きいて ください。
keiken nara, tanakasan ni kiite kudasai.
If it is about the experience, please ask Tanaka-san.
Everyday life
Example 4翻訳なら、田中さんに聞いてください。
ほんやく なら、たなかさん に きいて ください。
hon'yaku nara, tanakasan ni kiite kudasai.
If it is about the translation, please ask Tanaka-san.
Everyday life
Example 5給料なら、田中さんに聞いてください。
きゅうりょう なら、たなかさん に きいて ください。
kyuuryou nara, tanakasan ni kiite kudasai.
If it is about the salary, please ask Tanaka-san.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
If it is about the meeting, please ask Tanaka-san.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜なら.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.