1.
if that's the case; if it is; in that case
Casual conditional expression formed from だった (past of だ) plus ら. Follows nouns and na-adjective stems. Often used as a discourse connector meaning 'in that case' or 'if so', and can open a new clause in response to something just said.
Casual conditional form of the copula だ, equivalent to 'if it is ~' or 'if that's the case'. Follows nouns and na-adjective stems directly.
Common patterns
- Xだったら〜 — if X is the case/if it is X
- そうだったら〜 — if that's so
- 〜んだったら〜 — if (the situation is that) ~
Similar words
- なら: similar conditional meaning but slightly more formal/neutral; can also follow verb/i-adj directly
- だとしたら: more formal equivalent, 'if it is the case that'