じゃなければ

じゃなければ
expression
unless it is; if not; otherwise
informalgrammatical
1. unless it is; if it isn't
After a noun or na-adjective: the condition "if it is not ~". The casual spoken form of でなければ; じゃ is the contraction of では.
雨(あめ)じゃなければ行(い)く。
If it isn't raining, I'll go.
暇(ひま)じゃなければ手伝(てつだ)って。
If you're not busy, give me a hand.
日曜日(にちようび)じゃなければ、この店(みせ)はそんなに混(こ)んでいないよ。
Unless it's a Sunday, this shop isn't that crowded.
2. otherwise; or else
At the start of a sentence: "if not (what was just said)", introducing the alternative or the consequence. Casual speech.
じゃなければ、明日(あした)にしよう。
Otherwise, let's make it tomorrow.
早(はや)く寝(ね)なよ。じゃなければ起(お)きられないよ。
Go to bed early. Otherwise you won't be able to get up.
電話(でんわ)してみて。じゃなければ、メールでもいいから連絡(れんらく)して。
Try phoning. If that doesn't work, get in touch by email or something.

Common patterns

  • [noun]じゃなければ〜ない: unless it is ~, (it) cannot ~
  • [noun]じゃなければだめ: it has to be ~
  • じゃなければ、〜 (sentence-initial): otherwise ~

Similar words

  • でなければ: the neutral form, used in writing and careful speech
  • じゃなきゃ: an even more casual contraction
  • じゃないと: very close; sounds more like a warning of a bad result

Watch out

Related Words

Compare: でなければ (neutral, written form)
Compare: じゃないと (casual; warning nuance)
general
Added 2026.10.13 9:19 · Revised 2026.10.13 9:27
31500/31972_janakereba