Meaning
～なら expresses a conditional or hypothetical situation based on the speaker's judgment or opinion. It can follow verbs in plain form, い-adjectives, な-adjectives, and nouns. Unlike ～と, ～たら, and ～ば, なら specifically conveys the speaker's personal viewpoint or reasoning about the condition.
Formation
Examples
-
手袋を 買うなら、駅前の 店が いいと 思います。
If you're buying gloves, I think the shop in front of the station is good. -
近いなら、歩いて行きます。
If it's close, I'll walk there. -
嫌いなら、もう食べなくても いいよ。
If you don't like it, you don't have to eat it anymore. -
彼なら、きっとできると 思う。
If it's him, I'm sure he can definitely do it.
Summary
- なら expresses a hypothetical condition reflecting the speaker's judgment, opinion, or assessment
- Can attach to plain form verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives, and nouns
- Unlike ～と, ～たら, and ～ば, なら is essential when expressing the speaker's subjective thoughts or intentions about a condition