なら

なら is a conditional particle with topic-highlighting function.

Forms

• Noun + なら (明日(あした)なら)
• na-adjective stem + なら (静(しず)かなら)
• i-adjective or verb, plain form + なら (安(やす)いなら, 行(い)くなら)
• Often with の: 〜のなら, 〜んなら

Similar words

• なら: "if that is the case," often picking up what someone has just said. The main clause can happen first: 日本(にほん)に行(い)くなら、ガイドブックを買(か)っておいたほうがいい (if you are going to Japan, buy a guidebook beforehand).
• たら: "if/when," after the condition is completed: 日本(にほん)に行(い)ったら、連絡(れんらく)してね (when you get to Japan, let me know).
• ば: general hypothetical condition
• と: natural or habitual consequence

Usage

• Often implies "if that's the case" or "if what you say is true"
• Strong topic-marking function: "as for X, if we're talking about X"

Common patterns

• 〜なら〜でいい (if X, then X is fine)
• 〜なら〜が... (when it comes to X, Y...)
• もし〜なら (if ~)