もし
もし
adverb
if; in case
1.
if; in case
Introduces a hypothetical condition, typically used with conditional forms like ～たら or ～ば.
もし雨が降ったら、行きません。
If it rains, I won't go.
もし時間があれば、手伝ってください。
If you have time, please help me.
もしよかったら、一緒に行きませんか。
If you'd like, would you like to go together?
Polite invitation
もし明日天気がよかったら、公園でお弁当を食べませんか。
If the weather is nice tomorrow, shall we eat boxed lunches in the park?
もし日本に住むことになったら、どこに住みたいか考えたことがありますか。
Have you ever thought about where you would want to live if you were to live in Japan?
もし marks a hypothetical condition and is typically paired with conditional forms.
CONDITIONAL PAIRS:
- もし〜たら: if ~ (most common, neutral)
- もし〜ば: if ~ (slightly formal)
- もし〜なら: if ~ (topical, "speaking of")
- もし〜としたら: supposing that ~
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- もしよかったら: if you'd like (polite offer)
- もし何かあったら: if something happens
- もし可能なら: if possible
OPTIONALITY:
もし is optional—conditionals work without it. Adding もし emphasizes the hypothetical nature or adds politeness.
雨が降ったら... = If it rains...
もし雨が降ったら... = If it were to rain...
NOTE:
もし is an adverb, so it appears before the condition, not after.