1.
if so; in that case; then
Used to introduce a response or suggestion based on what was just said; indicates a logical consequence or alternative.
それなら is used to respond to something the other person just said, meaning 'if that's the case, then...' It shows the speaker has understood the situation and is proposing a next step, suggestion, or conclusion based on it.
Common patterns
Composed of それ (that) + なら (if/conditional). It always refers back to what was just stated, unlike もし which introduces hypothetical situations.
Formality variations
- それならば: more formal, written style
- それなら: standard, neutral
- それじゃ: more casual
- だったら: casual conditional
- じゃあ: very casual
Similar words
- それでは: well then (slightly more formal, also used for farewells)
- そうしたら: if that happens (focuses on sequence of events)
- そういうことなら: if that's the situation (more emphatic acknowledgment)