Japanese grammar
What does A。それなら B。 mean? Japanese grammar N2
A。それなら B。 means if that's the case, then….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Sentence A。それなら、sentence B。 |
| Romaji | A.sorenara B. |
| Meaning | if that's the case, then… |
Forming it
| Suggestion | 頭が痛い。—— それなら、早く帰ったほうがいい。 |
|---|
How to use it
Takes information just received from the other person (or a situation just learned) as a premise, then gives a suggestion/decision.
- 「それなら」 = if that's the case. Premise A is something JUST heard: 「頭が痛いんです」「それなら、今日は早く帰ったほうがいいですよ」.
- The second clause is usually a suggestion, advice, or decision — this is what distinguishes it from 「それで」 (which only states a result).
- The colloquial shortened form is 「なら」 attached directly: 「頭が痛いなら、休んだら？」.
Examples
「頭が痛いんです。」「それなら、今日は早く帰ったほうがいいですよ。」
"I have a headache." "In that case, you should go home early today."
明日は雨らしい。それなら、傘を持って行こう。
It seems it will rain tomorrow. In that case, I will take an umbrella.
Keep in mind
- The premise is information just received.
- The following clause is a suggestion/decision.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong雨が降った。それなら、道が濡れた。
It rained. So the road got wet.
Correct雨が降った。それで、道が濡れた。
Stating a result that already happened uses 「それで」; 「それなら」 leads to a suggestion/decision.
-
Wrongそれなら、頭が痛いんです。
I have a headache. If that's the case, I'll take some medicine.
Correct頭が痛いんです。それなら、薬を飲みます。
「それ」 must point to information that already came before.
Exam tips
- 「それなら」 = if that's the case (suggestion/decision); use 「それで」 for a result that already happened.