Verb (dictionary form) + なら (If [you are going to / case of Verb])

📝 Quick Summary

The conditional なら (nara) attaches directly to the Dictionary Form of a verb to set up a context or intention (“If you are going to do X”, “If it is a case of doing X”). It is used to give advice, suggestions, or recommendations based on information or plans stated by the listener.

Structure: [Verb Dictionary Form] + なら
Example 1: にほんに いく なら、かめらを かった ほうが いいですよ (If you are going to go to Japan, you should buy a camera).
Example 2: すまほを かう なら、これが おすすめです (If you are going to buy a smartphone, this one is recommended).

💡 Raya’s Hack

The Time Sequence Magic of 〜なら vs. 〜たら!
Pay close attention to the time order of events:

– 〜たら (Past condition): Event 1 finishes FIRST, then Event 2 happens.
例: 日本に 行ったら、カメラを 買います (I will buy a camera after arriving in Japan).

– 〜なら (Topic/Forward condition): Event 2 happens FIRST (preparation/advice), then Event 1 happens later.
例: 日本に 行くなら、カメラを 買います (I will buy a camera before going to Japan).

Use 〜なら when offering advice or taking preparatory action based on a future goal!

🚧 Joy’s Mistake

🔥 Layer C: Retrieval Practice Loop

Retrieve and apply! Express contextual conditions with dictionary form verbs. (Hiragana and English only)

Level 1: Structure Building (Verb Dict + なら)

Level 2: Full Sentences